(lass . 




4 A HYHS 



POST OFFICE DOT, 



LEGENDS 



OF THE RHINE, 

by 

A. H. Bernard. 



Translated from the German 

by 

Fr, Arnold, 

Professor of languages. 



Eight Edition. 



'<80S9 



MAYEXCE, 
by JOSEPH H ALE NZA. 



By Transfer 

P.O. Dept. 
Mar 23 06 



Mayence, printed by J. Gottsleben. 




m 



lie great celebrity which the Ger- 
man edition of this work has ac- 
quired in Germany, prompted 
me to publish it in the English language, 
not only for the purpose of attracting the 
attention of strangers to the most inter- 
esting traditions of the Rhine, but also as 
an entertainment for the tourist who visits 
the banks of this beautiful river. 



VI 



I subjoin here an abridgement of a 
review of the work, which appeared in 
the year 1862 in the „Blatter fur litter- 
arische Unterhaltung 41 at Leipsic. 

Prominent among the German literary 
novelties which appeared in the year 1862^ 
is to be distinguished a ^Collection of 
legends of the Rhine" by A. Hermann 
Bernard of Mayence. The autor has 
treated his subject with much taste and 
without losing any of its original simplicity. 
He chose the most popular traditions^ 
amongst which are to be found many 
hitherto unknown, such as : , ? The noble lady 
ofSchwanau u : „Adolphseck and Imagina, 
the mistress of the emperor Adolphus of 
Nassau ; u „The devil's-ladder at Lorch;" 
„The castellan of Hammerstein", etc. which 
whe have read with much pleasure. The 



VII 



historical traditions of this collection are 
very touching for instance: Arnold of 
Walpoden at Mayence ; u .,The templars 
of Lahneck; 44 „The Cathedral of Co- 
logne 44 etc. 

Differing from the ordinary collection s ? 
this work of Bernard gives us also the 
tradition of the „Jewish colonists 44 , whom 
Dahlberg, a Roman centurion and noble- 
man, brought to Worms, his native town, 
as his share of the booty after the de- 
struction of Jerusalem; then he gives us 
the tradition of the prophetess „Jetta at 
Heidelberg 44 , who is represented as a 
young girl of wonderful beauty, but who 
was visited with a terrible death by the 
Goddes Hertha for having fallen in 
love. 

My only recommendation in offering 



vin 



this work to the public is that it has 
outlived seven editions within a short time 
and I trust the readers of this, the eight, 
will cany back with them pleasant remi- 
niscences of scenes viewed , and hours 
spent in places, herein described. 



The publisher. 



StrasMrg. 

jh Strasburg there once lived a clock- 
i maker who, through his masterly and 
< clever works had attained a great repu- 
tation. He lived in perfect retirement 
and knew no higher pleasure, than his studies and 
the society of his beautiful young daughter, who 
since her mother's death managed his household. 

All the thoughts and efforts of the master 
were aimed at producing still higher and better 
works of art; he began to brood, secluded him- 
self and fell, in consequence, into tolerably bad 
repute with his neighbours. But when he at 
last began to neglect even the common duties 
of life and derange his household, he lost all 
reputation and if any body spoke of him, he was 
called a dreamer, too unpractical for life. 

Every one thought — as is the custom — 
that he could apply to himself the famous saying 
of the Pharisees: „I thank God, that I am not 
as this man!" 

1 




— 2 - 



Indeed the master himself, absorbed in his 
studies and ideas, cared little what his neigh- 
bours thought of him; he seldom went out, and 
if he did, he was too deeply absorbed in his 
meditations to notice things about him. 

It was otherwise with his young daughter 
who with secret pain saw her dear father become 
gloomy. Her eyes were often seen in tears and 
her hands folded in prayer that the father might 
soon attain the end of his studies, diligent labours 
and speculations. 

Among the few who visited the masters's house, 
two persons , who interested themselves in his 
fate, played a conspicuous part. The one was 
an elderly man with a slow gait, pointed fea- 
tures and mischivous eyes. He was rich and had 
after unspeakable pains finally attained the pro- 
spect of a magistracy. He already stood some- 
time in connexion with the master and wooed 
the daugther; but she avoided him, for his atten- 
tions disgusted her. 

The other, on the contrary, was a merry 
young fellow full of candour and honesty. He 
had devoted himself to the same art as the master 
and called upon him frequently, to converse with 
him about his works. 

His greatest pleasure was to sit for hours 
near the maid and watch her working, and 
when he spoke of his art and of the end to be 



attained, then his eyes sparkled, his cheeks 
glowed and his breast heaved ; the maid listened 
with ecstasy to his words, often found herself 
with her hands reposing and her eyes fixed with 
inspiration on the young man. 

Although neither had yet spoken of love, sym- 
pathy had filled their souls and revealed itself 
to the impartial observer through most trifling 
actions. Their hearts were innocent and they 
comprehended not what they felt ; timidity 
chained their tongues and only the tender looks 
of the young people betrayed the presence of 
Cupid who but waited for an opportunity to 
manifest himself. 

Months passed in this manner, till one day 
the candidate for the magistracy, sweetly smi- 
ling, approached the master and announced to 
him his final advancement. He could not with- 
stand subjoining to his speech a significant remark 
upon his present power and he did it with all 
the maliciousness which lurked at the bottom of 
his soul. The master congratulated him heartily 
and expressed the hope, that he would use his 
power to the benefit and prosperity of the town 
and his fellow-citizens. 

„And now, dear friend and master!" replied 
the magistrate, permit me to utter a second wish 
which like the first lies for a long time at the 
bottom of my heart. You know, dear master, 

1* 



— 4 — 



that I am unmarried. Circumstances hindered 
me to think earlier of marriage, but now, having 
the title of magistrate, I think it ray duty to 
reflect also upon this matter. You know me ; 
I was always well meaning towards you, and 
your charming daughter seems especially fit, to 
secure my happiness and to render our connexion 
more solid and durable. I doubt not, as a ma- 
gistrate, that I shall be welcome to you and 
therefore duly solicit your daughter's hand. 

The master who had, during the long mar- 
riage proposal^ found time to recover from his 
surprise, called his daughter without replying, 
to tell her what had happened. 

Ghita — this was the name of the maid — 
when she heard of the news grew pale and flew 
to the breast of her father. 

„I shall return, u continued the wooer, not 
appearing to notice the gestures of the maidr 
^reflect upon the matter, Miss: I can make you 
one of the most noble ladies of the town : I have 
the power to help your father and I would regret 
if you took a hasty resolution, which might harm 
you and your family. I leave you, with the hope 
of a favourable answer! Farewell ! a 

Saying this he bowed and retired, looking at 
the girl with a glance so mischievous and full 
of meaning, that she shuddered in her inmost 
heart and would have sunk clown, if her maidenly 



— 5 — 



pride had not supported her. But after his de- 
parture she lost her feigned strength and with 
a flood of tears sunk down, nearly fainting. 

„Guta, my dear child, what ails you?" asked 
the father, softly raising her head. „Do his 
advances frighten you? Speak freely, choose as 
you like and don't mind the menaces hidden in 
his words, for they will rebound powerless from 
my efforts. But few weeks' 4 — said he to him- 
self „and I shall have finished my work; glory 
and wealth will then be mine and I may boldly 
compare myself with the richest and most estee- 
med citizens of our town!" 

„Papa", whispered Guta — „I can't marry 
him! I shudder only to think of it!" 

„Then let us speak no more of it!" He will 
understand and the matter is settled!" 

But in this the master was wrong* The 
wooer, having heard Guta's refusal, boiled and 
foamed with rage and uttered menaces, which 
frightend the maid* „ Indeed, you shall repent 
this! cried he, hastening away and nearly 
knocking the young man down, who had just 
entered the house. 

The youth came just in time to calm the 
anxious girl. He listened with deep emotion to 
her report; his cheeks glowed with anger and 
he clenched his fist, when he heard of the threaten- 
ings which the disgusting man had uttered against 



- 6 — 



her father* But when she at last, with a flood 
of tears, confessed to her lover her detestation 
of such a union, the expression of anger disap- 
peared from his face and gave way to a feeling 
of tenderness. 

Like a river breaking its dam, his constrained 
flood of love broke from his heart and flowed 
with ardour from his lips. 

With ecstasy and hardly daring to breathe 
Guta heard the words of the youth resounding 
in her bosom. Grief and woe vanished and gave 
way to an unutterable feeling of happiness. What 
could she say to the young man when he asked, 
if his love was pleasing to her and what he 
might hope? Her lips were mute, but her tender 
and expressive looks told him enough as he pressed 
her with rapture to his breast. 

In the excess of his joy he was about to 
hasten to her father, to claim her hand. 

But Guta, half anxious, detained him saying: 

„Don't go! — At least not now; for my 
father is deeply shocked by the last events; let 
us wait a few weeks more; he will then have 
finished his work and be more inclined, to hear 
of our love. 44 

„ Why", cried the youth with resolution, „then 
he shall at least accept me as his partner in 
business, that it may no longer suffer by his reti- 
rement. — Only let me! I will persuade him. 



He loves me and will have no objection to my 
proposal." 

So saying lie left the maid, returning after a 
while glad and rejoicing • he communicated to the 
half anxious girl that her father had accepted 
him as a partner and granted him free manage- 
ment of his affairs. 

„You see, Guta? I kann now take care of you. 
I shall be diligent, and if your father's plans 
don't succeed ; his business will at least be secure ! 44 

The happy lovers conversed much and for 
a long time, until they separated to commence 
their new life on the following day. — Weeks 
passed away in happiness and each day they 
had reason to congratulate themselves upon their 
new order of life. Guta, since the dearest object 
in her life was now entrusted to her care, had 
become more happy and blooming. The youth, 
as well as she, understood how to render their 
daily intercourse more pleasing and the father 
himself seemed animated by the calm happiness 
of the young people. The wrinkles disappeared 
from his face and with them the unpleasant and 
sickly irritability of his soul. A joyful, but calm 
serenity entered the house, before so gloomy under 
the before mentioned circumstances. 

It was as if the sun's warm rays had pene- 
trated a dark, unwholesome room and purified 
the atmosphere. 



One day, while Gut a was diligently employed 
with her work, which she now and then discon- 
tinued to look tenderly at her lover who was at 
work also, she suddenly heard her father uttering 
loud shouts of joy and soon after calling her by 
name. 

Ghita started with surprise and hastened to 
him; the assistant also rose and softly approa- 
ched the door, through which she had disap- 
peared. 

Astonished and deeply moved, he stopped at 
the view, which presented itself to him. A boldly 
constructed clock-work moved lightly and easily 
in its springs at the same time giving an arti- 
ficial life to several neat figures. Before it stood 
the master, his white locks in disorder, but his 
face proud and full of dignity* With a look of 
satisfaction he gazed at the movement of the 
wheels, while his arms entwined the graceful 
form of the young girl, who concealed her tears 
on his breast. Filled with reverence, the young 
man at last approached and silently pressed the 
hand offered to him by the master and scrutiniz- 
ingly fixed his eyes on the work, which more 
and more excited his admiration. It was a great 
event when the master offered his work to the 
public view ; his name was on every tongue and 
those who before had despised him, were now 
the first to approach and praise him the most. 



- 9 - 



Time, customs and manners may change, but the 
principles, which lie in the hearts of men and 
out of -which the character, according to the 
education and cultivation, is developed, never. 

For a long time the magistrate refused his 
approbation of this wonderful work, and regar- 
ded it — thanks to the insinuations of the dis- 
carded lover — as the idle productions of a fan- 
tastic brain. 

But as soon as the master's fame spread 
abroad and members of the guild arrived from 
Basel to admire the work, the magistrate was 
compelled to enquire into the matter and grant 
him his approval* 

Nay, when the citizens of Basel made efforts 
to put themselves in possession of the work, the 
corporation of Strasburg agreed to buy it and 
selected a side-chapel in the cathedral for its 
erection. 

But the citizens of Basel, not satisfied with 
the issue of this affair, requested the master to 
construct a similar work for them and offered 
a considerable sum for its completion. Soon after 
the rumour of this reached the ears of the public, 
a great excitement seized them and thy el oudly 
opposed the proposal of the strangers. „What 
would become of the glory of our town, if other 
towns could triumph in an equal work of art? 44 
said they, and among them especially the offended 



— 10 — 



wooer „The master must never be permitted 
to construct a second clock, it would be treason 
to the town; to prevent it, is our first duty." 

In accordance with this opinion, the opponents 
of this clever man caused him to be brought 
before a tribunal, where his. enemy sat as pre- 
sident. 

The master was summoned before them, to 
promise never to build a second clock; but he 
firmly and proudly refused, saying: „G-od has 
given me talents and the power of being useful 
to my fellow-creatures; would it not therefore 
be cowardly and ungrateful, were I to accede 
to your request and not make use of the gifts 
with which He has endowed me ! When I worked 
and studied day and night, you turned away from 
me and derided me as a foolish dreamer and 
only now, when the citizens of Basel have prai- 
sed me, have you come to criticise my work. 
Love for my native town has induced me to 
yield the work to yon rather than to others. 
I have now done enough for my town and its 
glory and see no crime in benefitting others by 
my art. 44 

Clad in his simple dress, his form drawn to 
its full height, he proudly stood before the glit- 
tering array of counsellors, who were compelled 
to cast down their eyes before his noble and manly 
look. But after he was led away and the presi- 



— 11 — 



dent could again give vent to his hatred, the 
assembly assented to his proposal of blinding the 
master. „For a they argued „ only in this manner 
can we make certain, that he will never con- 
struct a second clock." With a painful smile 
at the blindness and perverseness of his fellow- 
citizens, the accused man heard the dreadful sen- 
tence. He neither uttered a cry of terror, nor 
of fear; his manner only expressed contempt and 
pity. He was asked, if he wished anything be- 
fore the execution of the sentence, After reflec- 
ting some time, he expressed the desire that he 
might undergo his punishment in the presence 
of his work and also be permitted to give it some 
final improvements. 

His request was granted. Long and tenderly 
the old man gazed at his clock. But his enemy, 
stimulated by revenge and the desire to see his 
victim soon miserable, reminded him of the flee- 
ting time and did not omit to compare the past 
with the present. 

Rage seized the master at being thus taunted. 
By some skilful movement of the work he took 
out the clock; having done so, he willingly sur- 
rendered himself to the hands of his executioners 
In the clock it suddenly began to whirr, and 
discordant sounds came therefrom which mingled 
with the scornful laugther of the tortured man. 
The weights fell to the ground; the bell struck 



disharmoniously 13-times and breathed out its 
last sounds like the sigh of a dying man. The 
master stood with his form erect like a demon 
of revenge and cried : „Now rejoice, in my work, 
proud citizens; the clock is destroyed and my 
revenge complete!" All who stood around were 
seized with horror and consternation at the sight ; 
the assistant approached and softly led the old 
man into the arms of his disconsolate daughter. 

After the first excitement of feeling was over, 
they deliberated upon the course of life now to 
be pursued. The lovers had confessed their 
attachment without reserve and received the 
paternal blessing. The old man was consoled 
for the lost glory of his work by the happiness 
and contentment which dwelt in their little circle. 
The wretched man who incited the town to com- 
mit the dreadful crime, was forfeited to the gene- 
ral contempt and died expelled and cursed by 
all who uttered his name. 

The clock remained destroyed till the year 
1842, when the trial in restoring it at last suc- 
ceeded. 

The glory of the restorer is now associated 
with that of the constructor. 



Schwanau. 



p the forteenth century there existed 
[! between the citizens of Strasburg and 
I the knight Walter of Schwanau a feud, 
J the last named having several times 
inflicted considerable loss on the merchants of 
Strasburg through having waylaid and robbed them. 

In those times the citizens were obliged to 
defend themselves and maintain a sufficient number 
of soldiers, to keep the knights in awe. - But 
as the knights could often levy a considerable 
army, the citizens of one town were obliged to 
band themselves with other towns. 

Walter was one of those knights, who trust- 
ing in his numerous forces could without fear 
commence a war with a town like Strasburg 
and even when he heard that his enemies had 
made an alliance with several Swiss towns against 
him he laughed at the idea; for he knew the 
manner in which the towns and their represen- 
tatives managed that, after having spent years 




— 14 — 



in deliberating, they only arrived at the conclu- 
sion that something ought to be done. 

But above all, his castle was strong, situated 
on an inaccesable rock, well provided with pro- 
visions and manned with fellows as bold as him- 
self, most of whom were outlaws. He never 
dreamt of a blockade and if an assault were 
attempted, there was no doubt that the enemy 
would be repelled with gread loss. 

This time however the citizens had quickly 
and prudently determined to commence war. and 
confided the command of the army to an old and 
experienced colonel, who instead of assailing the 
castle surrounded it, with the intention of star- 
ving out the garrison. 

"Walter seeing himself thus outwitted, began 
to fear for the consequences, and felt inclined 
to commence a negotiation, which he, in the 
beginning had scornfully refused. His soldiers, 
who at last, when the provisions were in the 
decline, began to murmur, advised him to send 
a messenger with negotiations to the colonel. 
But as the enemy's messengers, who summoned 
Walter to surrender , had been repulsed with 
scorn — so was his messenger now treated with 
contempt, even before he had spoken to the 
colonel. 

Walter heard the news with giief and rage; 
a deep melancholy settled upon his brow, for he 



- 15 — 



foresaw the ruin of himself and his wife, whom 
he loved truly and tenderly. Since the beginning 
of the war the noble lady had lived in constant 
anxiety and trouble, which was now increased 
by the sadness which her husband could no longer 
conceal; she pressed him with words of love and 
kindness, till he at length acknowledged the cri- 
tical position he was in, and the insult that had 
been offered to his messenger. A sudden thought, 
crossed her mind, resolution glowed in her bosom 
and beamed from her eyes. „If every hope is 
lost", said she, „ there is yet one thing remai- 
ning; that is for me to treat with the enemy, 
Do not fear that I will humble myself" added 
she quickly, perceiving the refusing gesture of 
her husband. „I know what I owe to ourselves 
and our name; they will not dare to insult a 
woman. The colonel must listen to me, he will 
see that it is better to attain his aim in an ami- 
cable manner, than to drive us to desperation. 
Believe me, he will be prudent and reflect wisely 
upon it; he will curb his hatred and prefer 
certainty to risking his honour in a doubtful 
combat." — 

Walter tried to speak, but she stopped his 
words with kisses, and begged so long, that 
he at length unwillingly consented. The lady 
lost no time in putting her plan into execution. 
She feared her husband would withdraw his 



- 16 - 



consent. She therefore took her little son upon 
her arm and walked to the camp, having pre- 
viously prayed for help and protection. 

The colonel received the lady, who was clad 
in mourning, coldly but politely. He could not 
however remain long insensible to her words 
which flowed like the warm breath of spring 
from her lips, and melted his icy heart. He was 
displeased with himself at being moved and 
feigned an anger which he did not feel: he how- 
ever granted the lady a retreat with all her 
treasures. 

„ Well then, replied theiadj^, „ take possession 
of the castle in peace for my husband is saved, 
— he and my child are my treasures, all else 
are trifles which I willingly abandon. Trusting 
in your word I will depart with these, and fer- 
vently pray to heaven, that you may be rewarded. 
I know my husband has grievously offended the 
citizens and that they desire his capture, to 
revenge themselves on him who had injured them 
so much. On my husband only can their revenge 
fall, he being the chief, and now you have granted 
him free retreat you will not revenge yourselves 
on his followers, for the faults he committed. 
Take the castle then, for I go forth with my 
treasures — but be merciful to the others!" 

Surprise and compassion were to be alterna- 
tely seen in the face of the old warrior; at 



— 17 — 



lenght pity prevailed and when the lady ceased 
to speak, the colonel turned aside to conceal 
his emotion. He then approached the lady ; kindly 
offered her his hand and kissing her little son 
said: 

„You have triumphed, noble lady and your 
husband is saved through you! But take your 
other treasures with you also — far be it from 
me, not to honour fidelity so noble and generous 
as yours. The castle however must be destroyed, 
but I will do all in my power for the soldiers. a 

And so it happened. The knight went forth 
with his wife, child, and treasures; his soldiers, 
for the most part, entered the army of the con- 
federate towns, but the castle was destroyed. 




2 



Staufenberg. 



eter, lord of Staufenberg, once lost 
his way when hunting and arrived 
extremely tired and nearly fainting at a 
spring situated in a deep forest. The 
water flowed beneath the riche foliage of luxu- 
rious herbs, while a soft bottom of fragrant moss 
covered the ground around. The youth highly 
rejoiced at finding such a charming and shadowy 
haunt quite appropriate for the flight of his ima- 
ginations approached the spring and moistened 
his lips with its crystal fluid; he then walked 
along the brook, to seek its source. 

He was suddenly and agreeably surprised to 
find a lovely girl sitting under a stately oak 
wringing out her wet hair and braiding it. 

The youth, almost confused by the charming 
view, stopped and scarcely dared to breathe. 
His heart beat audibly and his looks were fixed 
on the charms of the forest- child who, with in- 
nocence, displayed its feet and bosom to his gaze. 




ST OFFICE DEPT. 
I B R A R Y . 



— 19 — 



At last Peter recovered his manly spirit and 
stepped softly forward, for lie was anxious to 
know, who she was and why she lived thus in 
the solitude of the woods. The noise of his steps 
alarmed the maid. She looked up and a char- 
ming blush spread over her face and bosom when 
she perceived the youth with his eyes steadfastly 
fixed upon her. 

With stuttering voice he asked her if she 
would permit him to rest near her* She assented 
and, as she blushingly drew her rich tresses over 
her form and hid her small feet in her gown, 
appeared to him a being worthy of adoration* 

He stretched himself near her on the soft 
moss, leaned his head upon his hand and became 
absorbed in the contemplation of her. The in- 
creasing embarassment of the maid caused her 
to appear more beautiful, so that the heart 
of the young man became still more inflamed 
with love. 

He was finally roused from his reverie by her 
look, in which was mingled love, reproach and 
bashfulness. 

The youth felt the unbecomingness of his 
staring and sighed loudly like one, who awakes 
from a dream. 

„Forgive me, dear girl, if I have admired 
your lovely face too long and attentively; a 
strange and charming dream filled my heart; it 

2* 



— 20 — 



seemed to me, as if I were the only happy being- 
permitted to view your beautiful face. Allow 
me to make amends for my neglect and before 
all receive my thanks for having allowed me 
to rest near you." 

„Not so, noble Sir!" replied the maid kindly : 
„you are the lord of this ground and I must 
thank your for having allowed me, to remain 
here." 

„Oh, that I could render this place a para- 
dise, that you might never wish to leave it! 
Since I saw you it has become a paradise for 
me," added he with a tender expression of his 
eyes. „Oh, don't turn away, sweet maid; for- 
give me, if I can no longer conceal my violent 
feelings. I love you with ardour and would be 
the happiest of men if you would accept me as 
your husband and become the lady of my castle 
and these grounds. 44 

The youth, who, after having confessed his 
love in a passionate flow of words now took the 
hand of the maiden and covered it with kisses, 
at the same time, with eager entreaties and kind 
words, begged her to consent to his proposal. 

„0 speak!' 4 exclaimed he. „Dare I hope or 
must I fear! Can you love me! Disperse the 
doubts, which render me unhappy." 

„I love you," whispered she tenderly, bend- 
ing her rosy little face towards him and resting 



- 21 — 



her looks on the happy youth. „I have loved 
you longer than you imagine !" 

„Then you consent to be my wife?" 

„I dare not tell you to day; come again to 
morrow at the same hour, but leave me now, for 
my time is over!" 

„Then you will be here and I shall see you 
again?" 

He rose quickly, embraced the blushing maid 
and imprinting a burning kiss on her lips rushed 
off, for he feared by a longer stay to lose his 
self possession and not obey her. 

On the next day, at the same hour, he retur- 
ned to the spring, where he found his beloved 
adorned with a fragrant wreath of may flowers. 

With sweet smiles and looks of love she 
offered him her pretty little hand and invited 
him to sit by her side. 

She then informed him, that she was a water- 
nymph and goddes-of that spring, that she had 
loved him for a long-time and would esteem it 
as the highest bliss , to be mistress of his 
affections. 

„And if you still wish ; noble sir, to make 
me your wife, I will follow you every-where, 
only," — and when she said this, a melancholy 
expression covered her face, „only you must be 
faithful to me, for infidelity would bring death 
to you and eternal woe to me!" 



22 

..Faithful until death! cried the youth passion- 
atly, pressing her to his heart and covering her 
lips and eyes with burning kisses. „ Never shall 
another maid conquer the heart, that is devoted 
to you and which will be eternally yours ! 

The mariage-ceremony was celebrated silently, 
and without pomp or splendour. True happiness 
requires no outward show which is often used, 
to conceal the woe of the heart. The young 
pair were happy in each others love; the world 
had no cares for them, their life was a heaven. 
They seemed to gain in youth and their love for 
each other day by clay to increase. 

When in course of time a lovely boy became 
the fruit ot their union, their joy knew no bounds 
and the young couple felt their attachment and 
love had thereby become more firm. The higher 
the happiness, the nearer the woe ! 

The report spread like lightning that war 
had broken out in France and many nobles and 
knights of Germany, allured by gain and glory 
partook in it. 

Peter also heard the news and ambition, like 
a sad summoner stirred his soul and seemed to 
reproach him for allowing the sword of his an- 
cestors to rust in its scabbard, while other knights 
gained glory by their valiant deeds. He became 
restless, his mind was tormented and distracted; 



- 23 - 



even the caresses of Ms youg wife had not the 
same charm for him as formerly. 

With silent grief she perceived, that the mind 
of her beloved husband was not content with 
domestic happiness and that his thoughts were 
centered in the seat of war. The knight did 
his utmost to conceal his longing, but could not 
help betraying himself in unguarded moments, 
which encouraged his wife to carry out the plan 
which she had formed. She presented him one 
day with a splendid belt, which she had worked 
and begged him, to wear it in battle as a token 
of her love. 

„I know," said she. „You long to depart for 
France, to wield the sword of your ancestors 
in battle. Although it grieves me to part from 
you, I agree nevertheless, that you shall satisfy 
your burning desire, which, I fear, will destroy 
our happiness. — Go, dear husband ; gain laurels 
and glory by valiant deeds, but return and then 
learn, that the happiness, which you enjoy at 
my side, is far better, than that, to be found 
amongst strangers." 

The knight, touched by her generosity and 
devotion pressed her to his bosom and kissed 
the tears from her cheeks-. 

„ Thanks, thanks!" exclaimed he, „ embracing 
her repeatedly , you read my soul and seem 
to know, how the desire to do honour to the 



— 24 — 



name of my ancestors and our rank burns with- 
in me. It calls me to battle, and my arms seem 
to reproach me for lingering ; I accept therefore 
your belt as a sign of luck; for my beloved gave 
it and it will guide me back to her." 

Leaning on his breast, she conducted him to 
the childs cradle and offered him his lips for a 
parting kiss. „He shall be my consolation in your 
absence!" sobbed she. „And think often of us!" 

„ Always, always!" swore the knight, „ whose 
eyes were bathed in tears. I shall never forget 
you and our child! 44 

„Then go, but return as soon as possible! I 
shall stand at the window every evening and 
anxiously wait for you. Don't forget your pro- 
mise and remember my warning before I became 
your wife. 

With tender kisses the knight sealed his 
vows of fidelity anew and then began to prepare 
for his depature, wherein his wife calmly and 
prudently aided him. It was, as if invisible 
hands carried all things requisite together; so 
quickly and noiselessly, the packing was carried oil 

It was only at his depature that Peter be- 
came aware of the great blessing that a quiet care- 
ful, loving wife was. Had not passionate am- 
bition blinded him, he would have remained in 
his castle and enjoyed the pure happiness the 
company of such a wife afforded; but after a 



— 25 — 

long leave-taking from her, lie departed with 
full speed for an unknown country, where his 
fancy showed him brilliant images of glory, 
splendour and battles. Before him he saw the 
future ; if he looked back from his steed, he per- 
ceived his wife, waving him a farewell, thereby 
driving all thoughts of the dangers of war from 
his mincL 

At last the forest hid the castle from his 
view; he then put spurs to his steed crying, 
„Onward, soldiers; before us lies glory, behind 
us love ; the sooner we gain the first, the sooner 
we shall enjoy the pleasures of the last!" 

And„Onward" echoed from his bearded follo- 
wers who spurred their horses as they galloped 
madly forward* 

Peter immediately after his arrival in France 
placed himself and his troop at the disposal of 
a duke of that country and distinguished himself 
by his valour and prudence so much that the 
duke was anxious to attach this valiant and 
honest warrior permanently to his cause. 

But what to offer him as an inducement to 
exchange his freedom for a vassalage had puzz- 
led the Duke for some time, when one day he 
perceived his youngest daughter looking at the 
handsome young knight with glances more ten- 
der and affectionate than she was wont to do 
at the other knights. The duke saw, that a union 



between his daughter and Peter would be the 
easiest way of realizing his wish and therefore 
offered, as a reward for his services, the hand 
of the maid whose youth, beauty and noble rank 
rendered her worthy of the highest in the land. 

The knight, whose simple mind was already 
dazzled by the splendour of the Franconian court, 
accepted the offer with a feeling of satisfied 
vanity. It flattered him, to be chosen as the 
husband of a young, beautiful princess; dazzled 
by the glitter of the crown which she wore, and 
by the splendour of the court, he entirely forgot 
the promise given to his chaste and lovely wife. 
He surrendered himself to the intoxicating sound 
of pleasures which the duke prepared for him 
and did not resist or reflect upon the changes 
which his heart had undergone. It was only at 
night when the eye was not dazzled by the view 
of the brilliant festivities that, a pale figure 
arose in his mind and looked at him in silence 
and sorrow. Although he as often tried to ba- 
nish this vision and avoid the expressive looks 
of his grievously injured wife, he failed. Her 
eyes followed him with looks more of reproach 
than anger. He became unsetted and disconten- 
ted. He remembered his beautiful wife, his pretty 
little boy and the happy peaceful days which 
he had passed in his castle; he compared all 
this with the restless life of the court and insa- 



— 27 — 



tiable desire for its gaiety and began to realize 
the fact that his castle contained a higher trea- 
sure than a crown, even on the head of the 
most beautiful maiden. He formed the best re- 
solutions, vowing to return home, and to fly from 
the seductions of the court ; but at daybreak the 
images of the night vanished before the bright- 
ness of the sun; shame prevented him taking 
his leave and he felt himself attracted anew by 
the charms of his lovely bride. 

Weeks thus passed away in painful struggles 
with his heart; he became melancholy and dejec- 
ted and could not, even when at the side of the 
princess, banish his grief. He at last resolved, 
to ask the advice of a priest and communicate 
his sorrows to him. 

A priest whose plump and ruddy countenance 
shone brightly ; listened with astonishment to the 
knight's tale, at the conclusion of which his 
cheeks grew paler and he exclaimed with fear, 
at the same time crossing himself thrice. 

„You have made an alliance with the devil; 
Angels and heavenly spirits don't beget children 
with men; that is only the case with infernal 
beings, wo do so to spread their power. Your 
soul is forfeited to the devil and I consider it 
my duty, if you don't abjure the union with that 
being and do penance, to withhold the benefits 
of the church from you." 



— 28 — 



The knight half terrified, half rejoiced by the 
priest's "words, clung with desperate ardour to 
the idea, that his wife was an unholy being, to 
whom it was a sin to be united. 

Half persuaded, half infatuated he consented 
to abjure her, unterwent penances and the duke, 
in agreement with the priest, fixed the day, on 
which the knight should be entirely free'd from 
the bonds of Satan, by marrying him to the 
princess. 

As the marriage-day approached, the emba- 
rassment of the knight grew more painful. Like 
a night-mare his mind was worked upon and the 
looks of his abjured wife appeared to him in his 
dreams more and more sorrowful. 

Pale and with hair erect the knight arose 
from his couch at the dawn of the wedding-day 
and hastened to the window, where the suns 
rays shone warmly upon him. The bells rang 
merrily as the servants entered, to dress their 
master. 

With a vacant stare and like one in a trance 
he allowed them do with him as they pleased. 
He then mounted his horse and rode, followed 
by a stately and splendid train of knights, to- 
wards her castle without noticing the astonished 
looks of the girls and women, who had assem- 
bled to see him pass. 

The bride in her splendid -wedding-dress, re- 



- 29 - 



ceived hiin and bearing on her head a coronet 
from which along', fragrant veil descended to the 
ground. But her smiles had no charms for him 
and when he bent down, to kiss her hand, it 
seemed to him like the hand of a corpse ; terror 
stricken and with a ghastly look he stagge- 
red back. 

The marriage-procession moved on; it was 
obliged to pass over a bridge, beneath which a 
stream rolled calmy. Dark clouds suddenly cove- 
red the sky and announced the approach of a 
thunderstorm; as the bridegroom stepped on the 
bridge, a flash of lightning glanced before him. 
The storm raged wildly and the torrent rose to 
his horses hoofs. The animal plunged and rea- 
red through fear: „ My dream!" exclaimed Peter, 
— whose face had now became deathly pale and 
contrasted frightfully with his wedding dress — 
and fiercely spurring his horse sprang into the 
foaming waters. 

The storm abated, the sun shone forth 
and the stream rolled under the bridge whe- 
reon the trembling bride and her attendants 
still stood. 

It was at the same time that a fierce storm 
accompanied by thunder and lightning raged 
over Staufenberg and when it had ceased, the 
lady of the castle with her child could not be 



found. Nobody knew whither she had gone; but 
at midnight loud weeping was heard accompanied 
by the whimpering of a child and from the tops 
of the fir-trees a voice seemed to whisper „Woe 
to faithless men!" 



The „Klingelkapelle". 



portly after the introduction of Christi- 
I anity into Germany, a hermit took 
! possession of a deserted cell near 
J Gernsbach (on the way between Gerns- 
bach and the castle of Eberstein) who besides 
his contemplative life, preached the gospel to 
the inhabitants of that part of the country. 

One evening as a storm raged, the wind groa- 
ned and whistled through the tops of the oak 
and fir-trees, and the rain poured, he heard a 
soft supplicant voice, outside begging for shelter 
and protection. 

The hermit looked out and saw a beautiful 
young female before his cell, who, shivering with 
cold tried to wrap herself in the few garments 
which scantily clung around her form, 

„Let me in", begged she „to warm myself 
at your fire, for I am weary and cold." 

The hermit willingly complied, offered her 
honey and wine and bade her sit down at his 
fire-side. 




— 32 — 



After she had refreshed herself, the hermit 
began by asking her whence she came and what 
had driven her out in such a stormy night. 

„A vow!" replied the maid. ^Persecuted and 
despised I was obliged to leave a pleasant and 
endeared cell, which I inhabited; I will return 
thiter and dig my tomb in it." 

„Then you are a female-hermit not with stan- 
ding that you are so young and pretty. I would 
rather have deemed you a child, than a woman!" 

With these words the hermit neared the girl 
and fixed his looks upon her, whose beauty see- 
med to strike him. 

„Yes like you, I am also wont to live in the 
forest and worship my Gods ; I was devoted to 
the service of Hertha, but you Christians, who 
preach love and exercise intolerance expelled me 
from my cell and drove me out in the night. 
Woe, woe to you! Hertha will revenge me!" 

„Then you are not a Christian?" said the 
monk terrified and unvoluntarily starting back 
from the heathen-maid who calmly sat near the 
fire, and with the point of a little staff traced 
runic letters on the ground. 

„You are frightened because I am no Chri- 
stian? Am I not as young and beautiful as you? 
Am I not flesh and blood like you ? Look ! This 
is the cell which once belonged to me and now 
I am obliged to beg shelter in it; my hand planted 



— 33 - 



this moss and I myself worked this decoration 
to the honour of Hertha. — Does this cell shelter 
you less "because it once belonged to me? Do 
you sleep less softly on this couch, or look with 
less pleasure on this decoration because it is my 
work? Look at the stars and admire the 
brightness and immensity of the heaven ! Is there 
not room enough for your God and mine? Why 
do you persecute me? 

.Stop, unfortunate maid! You are sinning 
against one who preached love to mankind and 
died on the cross for our sins. There is greater 
joy in heaven for one converted, than for a 
hundred righteous, and God has led you to my 
cell, that I may deliver your soul from eternal 
damnation!" 

After these words and a fervent prayer he 
turned again to the maid and spoke to her of 
the life, passion and death of our Saviour. 

But his heart felt not, what he spoke, for 
the beauty of the maid dazzled his senses and 
unsettled his mind. 

And when she appeared to attend to his words 
and approach nearer to him, when her breath 
touched his cheek and she drew his hand to her 
bosom, his blood ran, like glowing fire, through 
his veins and the words died upon his lips. 

The maid, conscious of her power, failed not 
to ensnare him more and more, with her seemingly 

3 



Q \ 



innocent and childish behaviour and when she 
thought him entirely in her power she desired 
him to break the cross, before which he was 
wont to pray. 

She expressed the wish with such a charming 
ingenuousness and fascination, that the monk van- 
quished at last and was about to consent to her 
desire. He had already stretched out his hand 
towards the cross, but a that moment a bell 
outside rang, the sound of which stirred his con- 
sciense. Eepentant and ashamed he knelt down 
and prayed. When he rose, the apparition had 
dissappeared. 

The little bell, which un invisible hand had 
fastened to a bough and rung, was carried by 
the hermit into his cell, as a warning of his 
weakness and from this time the place, was 
called the „Klingelcapelle tt (tinkling-chapel). 



The Mermaid. 



ne evening as the lasses and lads of 
Seebach were assembled in the spinning- 
: room, the former, for the purpose of 
1 twisting the linen thread, of which the 
dress of those times chiefly consisted, and the 
latter, for the purpose of amusing the lasses with 
jokes, tales or harmless sports, a lovely young 
lady entered the room with a pretty spinning 
wheel made of ivory and modestly begged to be 
admitted into their company. 

The young people were astonished by the 
appearance of the charming stranger, whom they 
had never seen before, but with obliging willing- 
ness consented, they drew their little circle toge- 
ther and the son of the house immediately brought, 
from the best room a chair, which evident!}' had 
been little used and was much finer than all the 
others. The assembly intimidated at first by the 
presence of the stranger, by degrees regained 
their former spirits. They joked, laughed and 

3* 




- 36 — 



sang and when tlie strange lady at last de- 
parted, all praised her mightily and discussed 
strange and imaginary tales of her origin and 
residence. 

The majority were of the opinon that she 
must be one of the mermaids of the Mummei- 
lake, which spreads its dark waters . under the 
mountain to an unfathomable depth. The only 
one, who had not given his opinin upon the 
maiden and had been silent since her arrival and 
particularly so since her departure was the son 
of the house. He was a fine, modest youth and 
more educated than his comrades, his father was 
the richest man of the country and wished to 
make him a person of distinction, as for instance, 
a councillor or magistrate; to tell the truth, his 
ideas on that point were still very vague. 

The lady returned precisely at the same hour 
as the day before and after a cordial greeting 
calmly sat down in her place and began to spin. 
The son of the house sat opposite her in a cor- 
ner of the room in silence. When the soft and 
pleasing looks of the young lady rested upon 
him and she favoured him with a nod his cheeks 
would glow and he felt, as if a warm hand had 
touched his heart. 

The lady departed exactly at the same hour 
as the previous day and appeared regularly every 
evening in the merry circle, but she always kept 



— 37 — 

the same hour of departure and no entreaties 
could persuade her, to stay longer. 

Since she frequented the spinning-room, the 
lasses were by far more diligent than before, 
their spinning was much finer and their distaffs 
better filled. 

Besides this they also became more cheerful 
and if the saying of the lads be true, much nea- 
ter and more tasteful in their dress. It seemed 
as if a ray of brightness issued from the stran- 
ger, ennobling and embellishing every thing 
around her. 

All were accustomed to the appearance of 
the lady and waited anxiously for the hour of 
her arrival. The happiest of them all was then 
the son of the house to whom the hours of her 
absence were a blank in his existence. During 
her absence he grew pale and only at her return 
his features wore a lively aspect. 

One evening he determined to turn the hands 
of the clock back, so as to enjoy the presence 
of the young lady longer. He carried out his 
plan and when the hour of the lady's departure 
arrived, he slunk silently away for the purpose 
of following her. 

The lady seemed to have divined the irregu- 
larity, for at the striking of the clock she hastily 
bade farewell and hurried away in the direction 
of the lake. 



- 38 — 



The youth followed her, saw her plunge into 
the water and soon after heard a low whining, 
after which the lake boiled and foamed. 

Excited and fearing mischief he sprang after 
her. but by a miraculous power he was drawn 
into the depths and disappeared. 

The next clay some wood-cutters found his 
corpse in the lake near which blood and some 
bunches of woman's-hair were floating. The 
a Lady of the lake*' was never seen again. 



mmmmmmw 



Yburg. 



iarious traditions are connected with the 
| ruins of the castle of Yburg, and indeed 
| these ruins seem to impress one with 
1 ghost -stories and their concomitant 
spectres and goblins* 

At one time Gustav Wasa's grandson establis- 
hed his alchymicai laboratory there in which he, 
in connexion with Pestalozzi exercised his magic 
art. At annother time the monks of Baden tied 
up all the ghosts and goblins which haunted that 
neighbourhood, in a bag and carried them to 
Yburg, — certainly a very ingenious proceeding 
and which can only be accounted for by the 
choice of this wild spot for their abode. 

It is said that the last of the race that built 
the castle, was a wild, dissipated fellow, who 
mortgaged his property and fell in consequence 
in great pecuniary distress. His creditors more 
than his conscience kept him in a perpetual sxate 
of anxiety. 




— 40 — 



One night after one of those scenes usual 
with creditors, where threats, maledictions and 
lamentation are not wanting, the knight dreamt, 
he had discovered an inexhaustible treasure in 
the sepulchral vaults of his ancestors. The next 
day he descended into them, broke open the 
coffins and not having found, what he had seen 
in his dream, he uttered frightful execrations 
against the avarice of his forefathers. 

Just in the height of his fury, a horrible 
figure with hideous laugther rose from out of 
the ground and seemed to expand to the roof 
almost suffocating the terrified knight. 

Shaking with fear he knelt down, invoking God 
and ail the Saints, to assist him. He promised 
to do penance and finish his life as a hermit. 

Immediately after having made this vow, he 
heard the voice of a child resounding from one 
of the open coffins, revoking the spirit and ad- 
monishing the knight to think of his salvation 
as his days were numbered. 

Amid peals of thunder and terrible noises the 
demon vanished who in his flight cast a flash 
of lightning upon the castle which split one of 
the towers from top to bottom. 

But the knight did, as he had vowed and it 
may be hoped, that he paid his debts to heaven 
more punctually, than those which he contracted 
on earth. 



1893 



Windeck. 



i. 



bout eight miles from Baden stands the 
castle of Windeck, which is haunted 
by the spirit of a girl who appears 
from time to time. 
A young sportsman, whom the chase once led 
to the castle, saw the girl, who offered the tired 
hunter a goblet of most deHcious wine. He was 
so charmed with her love]y appearance that he 
returned every day, in the hope of seeing the 
girl again. 

But when he found, that all his endeavours 
were in vain and that he was obliged to return 
each time without having gained the object of 
his search he became melancholy and visibly 
pined away. 

He at length made the castle his constant 
abode, where he led a quiet dreamy sort of life 



— 42 — 



and was soon called by the peasants in the 
neighbourhood the „lord of the castle/ 

One morning he was found dead, but with 
such a happy expression of features that every 
one was of opinion, that he had seen the maid 
of the castle. 

Some added, her kiss had killed him. But 
when the people perceived a small ring on his 
finger, which they had never seen before, their 
opinion turned to conviction and they buried him 
with pious awe in thevauU of the castle by the 
side of his ghostly bride. 



II. 

Near the above mentioned castle are still to 
be seen the vestiges of a deep ditch, called the 
„H e n n e g r a b e n a , from which the neighbouring 
farm took its name. 

It is said of the origin of this ditch, that the 
young relations of a dean of Strasburg, whom 
the knight of Windeck had imprisoned, came to 
beg for the release of their uncle. Arrived in 
the district of the castle, they met an old woman 
in the forest, who kindly asked them, what was 
the aim of their journey. 

„We are going to the castle of Windeck!" 
began the elder of the travellers, a slender, deli" 



— 43 — 



cate youth: „Our uncle, the dean of Strasburg 
is imprisoned there and we are going to sur- 
render ourselves as hostages, till he has paid 
his ransom, 

,Ah! ah! Do you expect, that the lord of 
Windeck will accept you in his stead as hostages ? 
And then how will such delicate, tendor boys be 
able to suffer the captivity, which threatens you 
in the castle? Heh?" 

After saying which the old woman with cunning 
eyes examined the tender figure of the elder 
youth, who could scarce now suppres his tears. 

„Grod will help us, for our uncle is our only 
support!" replied he softly, upon which his 
younger brother with childish candour, began by 
saying that he would challenge the knight. 
„Indeed, that I will! 44 added the boy seriously, 
„for I am a knight like him and I will deliver 
my uncle! 46 

„ Hush, Ohio ; don't speak, like a child, we 
must entreat and not defy!" said the edler 
brother. 

„Eh what, Imma; you may beg ; but I shall 
not! 44 replied the boy thereby bringing his dis- 
guised sister into the most painful embarass- 
ment and causing the blood to mount to her 
cheeks. 

„You need not blush, maid!" continued the 
old woman ; — „I remarked at the first glance, 



— u — 



that you are a girl in disguise and I am inclined, 
to help you: for you are honest and I like you, 
— Go to the castle and tell the knight, that I 
sent you for the purpose of communicating to 
him, that the citizens of Strasbourg have resolved 
to take his castle by surprise; he must cut a 
trench across the only possible ascent and as the 
time presses, I will give you something, that will 
enable the knight to open the ditch." 

Saying this, she whistled a strange tune, 
upon which a grey hen flew upon the old woman's 
shoulder. 

r Here, take it and bring it safe into the 
castle, When it grows dark and the moon rises 
carry it to the place and leave the remainder 
to us! 44 

The children looked at each other in astonish- 
ment. The old woman, after having spoken 
something in a strange dialect to the hen, gave 
it them, wished them goodbye, and reminded them 
at parting, to take care of the hen and do as 
she had bid them. 

The disguised maiden and her brother tra- 
velled to the castle and were instantly presented 
to the knight, a fine young man, who received 
them with kindness. 

The girl, with hesitation and embarrasment, 
could scarcely find words, to ask her request 
and deliver the message. 



- 45 — 



Eegaining her self possesion at last she gave 
the knight the hen, at the same time begging 
him, to keep her and her brother as hostages 
instead of their imprisoned uncle. 

A strange feeling overcame the knight, when 
he heard the proposition. And when the boy 
with childlike simplicity touched and admired 
the belt and accoutrements of the knight and 
expressed his delight with its splendour he 
took him in his arms and bade the elder youth 
follow. 

Angry and dejected at the idea of being in 
the power of his enemy the dean sat brooding 
in a dark room. He walked impatiently up and 
down his small apartment and through a small 
grated window, looked at the distant country 
with longing glances. 

After having given vent to his anger in exe- 
crations he sunk down upon his arm-chair and 
taking one of his books devoted himself to 
study, for he enjoyed, though imprisoned, \ every 
comfort, which he could wish, excepting his 
liberty. 

The knight led the two boys to his cell 
and the heart of the elder beat anxiously under 
his doublet, when they stood before the door, 
which concealed their uncle. Scarce was the door 
opened, when the younger boy began to clap 
his hands joyously and cry: 



„ Uncle, uncle, Jmma und I have come, to 
deliver you!" 

The kniglit looked with astonishment at the 
blushing maid, whose sex was so suddenly an- 
nounced. He did not betray himself and offered 
his hand with cordiality to the likewise astonis- 
hed dean, saying: 

„Did you hear that, dean? You are free, if 
you promise a ransom; yield these children to 
me as hostages, and I promise not to give them 
back so soon. Now young man", said he jes- 
tingly to the embarrassed maid, „will you enter 
my service as a soldier or would you prefer a 
place in my household? You seem indeed much 
more fit for the latter, than for the former l u 

But when the maiden looked at Mm with a 
timid and reproachful glance he could master 
himself no longer and pressed her to his breast, 
asking, if she would remain with him, instead 
of returning to her uncle. 

He must have read a favourable answer in 
her looks and from her tears which she shed 
while leaning on his bosom, for he cheerfully 
summoned the dean, to change his prison-dress 
for the surplice and give them his blessing. 

The dean at first did not seem inclined, to 
consent to the marriage; but when Imma too 
begged his consent, he mastered his anger and 
gave them his blessing. 



— 47 - 



The lien was placed where the old woman 
had indicated and on the following day, y^hen 
the citizens of Strasburg approached, they found 
the newly made trench filled with the soldiers 
of Windeck and instead of a war-meeting they 
were invited to a wedding-dance. 



Triefels. 



ear Annweiler, upon one of the peaks 
of the long chain of the Haardt-moun- 
tains is situated the castle of Triefels 
in which Richard Coeur de Lion was 
imprisoned. 

One fine summer-morning a troop of horse- 
men passed through the county of the Haardt, 
enlivening their journey with jests and merry 
tales. 

At their head rode three men; evidently the 
leaders of the troop. They were noble figures, 
whose appearance spoke of war and who seemed 
to prefer the saddle and hardships to a life of ease. 

After a close scrutiny it became apparent 
that the centre one of the three was not a war- 
rior; his looks and manners bespoke him to be 
a man of thought and poetic feeling. In truth 
such he turned out to be for he was no other 
than the troubadour who had left his country to 
seek his friend and king whose protracted absence 
from his land caused great anxiety. 




- 49 — 



One of the knights had just finished a merry- 
tale, which had excited the laughter of the whole 
troop, when the minstrel suddenly stopped his 
horse and listened with deep emotion to the plain- 
tive and melancholy song of a young shepherd. 

As soon as the song was finished, he spurred 
his horse towards the place, whence the voice 
came. 

„My lad," cried he, „sing your song once 
more and I will give you this piece of gold!" 

„With pleasure, Sir!" replied the shepherd 
politely, „it is a nice song and I like to sing it." 

Having said this, he recommenced the strophe 
again and when he arrived at the last lines the 
voice of the knight mingled harmoniously with 
the boy's. 

„Nowtellme, lad, whothaught you this plea- 
sant song?" 

„It might be better not to tell!" replied the 
boy casting a suspicious glance at the knight. 

„I will give you another piece of gold and 
my promise, that no harm shall be done you, if 
you tell!" 

The lad, dazzled by the glittering piece of 
gold, timidly approached the knight and having 
previously looked round, said, that he had heard 
it sung in the castle of Triefels, where he some- 
times kept watch over his sheep. 

„Oh G-od!" exclaimed the knight with tears 

4 



— 50 — 



ill his eyes. „Eow wondrous are thy ways!" 
taking off his helmet and with eyes upcast he 
fervently offered up a prayer. 

His companions, with astonishment, surprised 
him in this attitude ; but before they could ques- 
tion him, the mistrel turned towards them with 
sparkling eyes and said: „Found my lords! On- 
ward to Triefels!" 

The enthusiasm of the minstrel instantly sei- 
zed the whole troop and they all repeated the 
cry: „ Onward to Triefels! tt 

With hasty words the minstrel now commu- 
nicated his discovery to his companions in a 
language unintelligible to the boy and when he 
had finished, all eyes sparkled with unutterable 
joy and every one bared his head, looking thank- 
fully to heaven. 

After the first excitement had subsided, they 
deliberated and agreed to take a view of the 
fortress first, in which the young shepherd could 
serve them as a guide. A handful of gold-coins 
rendered him compliant and the knights rode 
merrily towards Triefels. 

On the way the shepherd, said, that the fort- 
ress was well guarded and that a stranger rarely 
crossed its draw-bridge. „I advise you, not to 
enter", added he serionsly, for the keeper is 
a peevish fellow and will not open the gate to 
you because you are in such great numbers. 



— 51 — 



„ Quite right, boy; go on, we only intend to 
look at the castle and yon can surely show us 
a place, -where we can take up our lodgings." 

„ Certainly I can, good sirs, for I know every 
house and cottage hereabout." 

With such and similar discourses they mar- 
ched on, till they at last came in sight of Trie- 
fels, whose pinnacles were now gilded by the 
setting sun. 

At the sight of Triefels the knights stopped 
and began to deliberate again. 

r/ I think it better, my friends, if I exchange 
my military dress for a minstrel's tunic and in 
that manner try to get an entrance into the 
castle, if, as I hope he is. our noble king is impri- 
soned there, his friend's eye will surely detect 
him and find means for his deliverance; but you 
must remain in the neighbourhood of the castle 
so as, to be able to help me if I require your 
assistance. 

So saying he left the troop and rode, follo- 
wed by his servant, who bore his harp, up the 
hill, which led to the castle. 

The shepherd was quite right in what he 
had said, regarding the castle ; for the minstrel's 
reception was very ungracious. But one thing 
the shepherd had not mentioned and which con- 
soled the stranger for his unpleasant reception 
namely the presence of the keeper's beautiful 



— 52 — 



and amiable niece, who in that castle might 
well have been compared to a warm sun ray in 
winter-time. 

She persuaded her uncle, to grant the stran- 
ger a lodging and even prevailed upon the old 
man, to lend his ear to the songs of the min- 
strel Thanks to his drowsy disposition he soon 
fell asleep and left the minstrel for some time 
alone with the maid, whose embarrassment by 
this pleasant „tete a tete u became very percep- 
tible, but it was not of long duration, as she 
shortly afterwards became as lively and cheerful 
as before, 

„ You seem very fond of music, miss." began 
the stranger, but I should think, that you find 
little opportunity of hearing it in this castle ! 

„ You are right, indeed 1" replied the maid 
with a deep sigh, „I and a poor prisoner are 
the only ones in the castle, who sing and we 
both are but amateurs'!" 

„ What did you say? A prisoner?*" 

„Yes, a prisoner! He must be of noble birth; 
but I dare not say more, for my uncle might 
hear it and would surely be angry, if I talked 
afeout him. 

w Ohj dear maid, tell me but one thing," beg- 
ged the stranger, speaking lowly and bending 
towards the maid: 



- 53 — 



„ Were it possible for me to hear Mm? I should 
dearly like to hear a prisoner sing who sings 
for his freedom!" 

„Then listen to night, for I regular!}* hear 
his melancholy plaint, which brings the tears to 
my eyes!" 

„Oh! dear, good girl/ cried the stranger, 
drawing her hand passionately to his lips: but 
suddenly recalled to himself, he let it fall and 
looked as much confused, as the young lady, 
whose bosom heaved with strange feelings. 

Luckily for both, the old man at that moment 
awoke; after a short conversation he departed, 
having given orders, to lead the stranger to his 
apartment. 

The latter entered his chamber with deep 
emotion, being so near his king and not kno- 
wing, how to save him. Silent and deeply mu- 
sing he leaned on the window-seat, looking 
through the darkness and trying to find the tower, 
where he supposed his imprisoned friend to be. 

He had been some time in this attitude when 
suddenly he heard an expressive, melancholy 
voice, singing the following strophes: 
In the distance far, 
"Wanders that bright star. 

Over hill and dale; 
To my distant home, 
As an envoy roam. 
With my song of wail. 



- 54 — 



In pris'n and alone. 
I my lot bemoan, 

And know not one bright hour, 
To stars alone I breathe, 
How gladly would I leave. 

Had I but the power. 

The stranger listened attentively, and with 
the greatest excitement, to the song, which was 
not unknown to him. Tears flowed from his 
eves and his hands were pressed to his bosom, 
as if to suppress his violent feelings. 

The prisoner, who had paused some moments, 
raised his voice again, only to express his fee- 
lings in other words. His pale face appeared at 
a window of the tower and his looks were turned 
to the stars while he sang the following: 

Stars that fade away, 
Stay a moment, stay! 

My friends I long to see — 

If they should ask for me 
Lead them on this way. 

And leaning his head on his hand he con- 
tinued 

Alas! they travel on 
Unto their daily bourn. 

With eagerness and glee, 

Their splendour in the sea 
They dip and are forlorn. 

„My king, oh my king!" sobbed the minstrel. 
„Oh could I tell him: how near his friends are. 
— The harp, the harp!" cried he suddenly anp 



— 55 — 



grasping it he with trembling hand but mas- 
terly skill played a melody which he once com- 
posed for his friend. 

Scarce had he finished the first strophe when 
the prisoner caught up the melody and continued 
the song. The minstrel's eyes roved over the 
building for the purpose of discovering the place, 
whence the well-known sounds came. Perceiving 
the king he cautiously swung his bonnet, as a 
sign of recognition. 

„Blondel! u exclaimed the king, but instead 
of replying; the minstrel seized his harp and 
sung the following romance: 

„0 Richard, my king, 
„The world abandons thee 
-And no one is seeking, 
„To deliver thee, hut me. 

„Thy chains I soon will sever 
„And with my song and sword 
„To deliver thee from danger 
„I pledge my life and word!"*) 

*) We subjoin the text of the French original: 

„0 Richard, o mon roi, 
^L'univers t'abandonne, 
„I1 n'y a plus que moi, 
„Pour sauver ta personne. 

„Je veux rompre tes fers, 
„Et si j'en ai la chance, 
„Mes chansons et ines vers. 
..Eet'ront ta delivrance." 



Blondel reflected the whole night, how to 
liberate his king and upon consideration, the 
best plan seemed to wait for an opportunity to 
take the castle by surprise. After having re- 
flected upon this plan more closely he resolved, 
to procure an entrance into the castle at any 
price and to effect it more easily he thought, 
the best thing would be. to enter into a more 
intimate connexion with the maid, whose image 
had, since their first interview, made a deep 
inpression upon him. 

As unkindly, as he had been received the 
previous evening, as abruptly and ungraciously 
was the minstrel's horse ordered to be saddled 
for his departure the next morning. 

Thus pressed, the minstrel could stay no 
longer and prepared to take his leave. But be- 
fore he mounted his horse, he found an oppor- 
tunity of speaking to the maid alone and his 
words must have touched her heart very deeply : 
for when he at parting softly whispered to her : 
„To night!" she gently pressed his hand and 
uttered a tender : „ Yes ! tf whereby a charming ex- 
pression of embarrassment overspread her features. 

Blondel, who did not intend jleaving the en- 
virons of the castle aligthed at an inn, situated 
on the road, leading to Annweiler and which 
seemed to him the most favourable place for 
watching the castle. 



The landlord, an agreeable, portly man, arran- 
ged his best room for his guest and after having 
heard, that the knight had come from the castle, 
he without being asked related to him all that 
he knew about it. 

„I am well acquainted with the people of 
Trietels ; tt said he with marked self complacency, 
„the keeper as well as his yeomen come very 
often to drink their wine here and if you would 
like to become better acquainted with them you 
could not have chosen a more favourable opport- 
unity, as our newly elected emperor will be 
crowned at Frankfort in a few days, upon which 
occasion the garrison of the castle will celebrate 
the event in my house." 

„Why! That happens most luckily, 4, replied 
the minstrel, — „and as I once served in the 
emperor's arm}', I will partake of the feast given, 
to his honour and pay for all the wine, drunk 
on that day, — But that the wine may not be 
inferior, I will myself select the best you have 
and lock it up till the festival, as the emperor's 
health must only be drunk in wines worthy of 
his name." 

The bargain was made and the best cask of 
wine selected, to be given to the garrison of the 
castle on the day of coronation. Blondel then 
withdrew, for the purpose of forming his plan of 
deliverance and confiding it to his companions. 



— 58 - 



The day passed away in this manner and at 
the approach of night Blondel wrapped himself 
in his richly folded cloak and ascended the moun- 
tain, to take a view of the outworks of the castle 
and also perform a sweeter duty. After having 
walked round the castle for some time, he began 
one of his songs, at the sound of which a bow- 
window opened and a female head nodded joy- 
fully to him. 

It dissappeared immediately after, but only, 
to appear again through a little side-door, which 
led from the interior of the castle into the fields* 

The loving maid had succeeded in possessing 
herself of the key, at the view of which the 
minstrel's heart bounded. He pressed the blushing 
maid to his breast and returned her his thanks 
in innumerable kisses. 

Hours passed away in their pleasant tete a tete, 
till at last the maid was obliged to return, but 
not without first having promised, to meet her 
lover again on the following day. 

The day of coronation approached. On the 
evening muffled figures slunk into a wood near 
the castle and hid themselves in the bushes. They 
seemed to intend a surprise: for the clinking 
of arms was sometimes audible from the thick 
foliage. 

In the castle nothing of this proceeding was 
observed and not a living soul dreamt, that the 



wood had become a haunt for warriors, who had 
good reasons to remain undiscovered, — All de- 
voted themselves to the festivities of the day 
and even the keeper's face appeared less morose. 

The draw-bridge at last fell and the warriors 
hastened merrily to the inn, where the dinner- 
table was dressed for them and the precious wine 
stood ready in clean and glittering tin goblets. 
And when the landlord related to his guests the 
generosity of the strange knight at the same 
time extolling the excellent qualities of the wine 
chosen, their joy knew no bounds and with loud 
cheers to the emperor and the knight, numerous 
goblets of the costly beverage were emptied. 

JBlondel meanwhile walked in expectation up 
and down before the little side-door, from which 
his sweet-heart every evening emerged. The most 
painful and violent impatience stirred his mind 
and reflected itself in his looks, which he directed 
from time to time towards the wall, which enclosed 
the dearest his heart possessed — his friend and 
his lady-love. 

The hour had long passed away, in which he 
was wont to see her, and he was just reflecting, 
what to do, if, contrary to all expectation, she 
should be detained, when suddenly the side-door 
opened and the maid appeared. 

She threw herself on her lovers' breast and 
communicated to him, that her uncle had stayed 



- 60 — 



up longer than usual and had before retiring once 
more examined, if all accesses were well guarded. 

„But he did not think of the side-door, 44 said 
she jestingly and smiling sweetly, — „which is 
indeed quite unnecessary since we guard it. 44 

The minstrel drew the maid closer and com- 
municated to her with hasty words the reason 
which had led him hither. „The time is favour- 
able", added he, „my warriors are waiting for my 
signal, to enter the castle by force and deliver 
the king. Return then with me to my native 
country and my love shall be your reward. 

At the same time and before the surprised 
maid could reply, he beckoned towards the wood, 
from the shadows of which dark figures appeared 
and thronged through the opened side-door. 

„Ha, traitor! Then love was not your aim?" 

„Oh, forgive me! 44 

„ Woe to me! My uncle, my poor uncle! 44 
In vain Blonde! endeavoured to calm the 
alarmed maid; she turned away from him and 
fled into the castle. — The minstrel followed 
for the cry of war in the castle reminded him 
of his duty. 

The resistance of the few soldiers, who, in 
the absence of their comrades but poorly guarded 
the castle, was soon broken. With drawn swords 
the besiegers entered the keeper's room 7 seized 
the keys and opened the prisons. 



- 61 — 



King Richard, hearing the English war cry, 
stood in joyful excitement in the middle of his 
room, when suddenly its door flew open and 
Biondel threw himself into his arms. 

„ Thanks, many thanks noble lords andfriends", 
— began the king with the deepest emotion, — 
„never will I forget your fidelity, and sooner 
shall my name be forgotten, than my gratitude 
for your valiant deed. But now give me arms, 
arms; for they shall not take me alive." 

During this speech the keeper was led into 
their presence, who even then did not lay off the 
morose haughtiness which characterized him. 

-I protest against this deed, which is contrary 
to the laws of nations," — cried he, a soon as 
he perceived the armed king, — „and swear to 
you, that you shall not leave Germany unhurt." 

The maid now hastened forward and accused 
herself before her uncle of having unconsciously 
favoured the attack. 

Biondel and even the king, who now guessed 
the reason, endeavoured to calm the frigtened 
maid; but her thoughts seemed to be in confusion 
and only directed to her uncle, who heard the 
confession with a calm, but all the more danger- 
ous rage. 

The report of the castle's attack soon spread 
to the inn and roused the soldiers from their 
banquet Hastily they returned, to assist their 



— 62 - 



oppressed companions, but when arrived before 
the castle they found themselves shut out and 
menaced. 

They assembled to deliberate, in which manner 
they could best succour their brethren ; whereupon 
the castellan was led upon the rampart and it 
was announced to them, that, if they dit not 
retire and remain quiet, his head would be the 
penalty. They obeyed the call and let the strangers 
march off undisturbed, 

Blondel and even the king did their utmost, 
to persuade the maid, to accompany them to 
England. But she firmly refused and renounced 
the man, who had abused her love. With deep 
regret he was obliged to leave her, but not 
without having given her a gold ring and chain ; 
as a token, that he would never forget her. 
# * 

Many years had passed, when one fine summer- 
morning a cavalier rode the same way, which 
many years ago the English had travelled to seek 
their king. He reined in his horse at a spot, 
dangerously overhung by red sand-stone rocks, 
pushed the gray hairs off his forehead and 
exlaimed: „Here is the place, where the shep- 
herd once sung; and to this place is attached the 
remembrance of the greatest bliss and the deepest 
woe, which I ever felt in all my life!" 



- 63 — 



Saying this he sank into a deep meditation, 
from which he was roused by a voice singing- 
the same air, as sung by king Richard in Triefels. 

The old man started: a tear stole from his 
eye and ran down into his beard. 

Slowly he rode onward and took the way 
to Triefels. When he arrived at the inn. where 
the soldiery of the castle had once celebrated 
the coronation of the emperor, he alighted and 
ordered a room. 

By a singular coincidence the same room was 
appointed to him, which he had formerly occup- 
ied and after having contemplated it with deep 
emotion, he looked into the face of the landlord 
and recognized the shepherd's boy, whom he 
had enabled with his gold, to buy the inn from 
its former possessor. 

With tender interest the old man — in whom 
the reader may recognize Blonde! — enquired 
about the castellan and his niece. He was told, 
that the former had, soon after the king's flight, 
been killed by some hidden hand and the latter 
had entered the nunnery ofEberstein about four 
miles and a half from Baden. 



Heidelberg. 



hoever has visited the beautifully situa- 
ted town of Heidelberg presumably 
also the castle and its environs, must 
- have observed the name of a prophe- 
tess of ancient Germany connected with various 
places. 

The „Jettebuhl% the ... vToifsbnimien" and the 
place, on which the Jetta-temple once stood, now 
occupied by the «Friedrichsbau*. are all monu- 
ments, which remind one of her and the tragical 
death she suffered. 

The following tradition gives us an account 
of her. 

A beautiful prophetess had established her- 
self in a grove, which was consecrated to Hertha. 
and who made the people around her happy with 
her counsels and advice 

She was incomparably lovely and in her soft 
and deep-blue eyes there seemed to reign peace 
and wisdom: all who came within her presence 
became mute with astonishment and reverence. 




The report of her wisdom and the infallibility 
of her prophecies spread over all the neighbour- 
ing and even distant countries and allured many 
youths and men, to learn from her lips the secret 
of their destiny. 

Many there were indeed who would have liked 
to have lead her as a consort into their paternal 
halls; but such a wish was never uttered in her 
presence, for the maid was serious in her man- 
ners and her solitary life lent her an air which 
commanded awe and respect from all who ap- 
proached her. 

Lost in meditation she once sat upon the 
steps of the altar, on which she had kindled a 
little fire, which cast a faint light around caus- 
ing her and the trees around to look like spectres, 
when just then steps rustling through the foliage 
betrayed a new-comer, and a tali young man 
stepped forth from the shadows of the evening 
before the maid. 

„You have, u began he, „the gift of reading 
the destinies of man in your magic figures and 
I too am come, to hear my fate from your lips." 

The maid, aroused from her musings, looked 
up at him and when her eyes met his, a light 
unnoticed by him, flashed in them, which betrayed 
confusion and spread in blushes over her face. 

The youth was transfix'd with astonishment; 
for female beauty and female looks had never 



— 66 — 



before made such an impression upon Mm, as in 
this case and in embarrassment he stood opposite 
the prophetess, not knowing, what to say. Thus 
they remained for some time, looking at one 
another in silence and as it were, reading each 
others thoughts. 

„ Youth", said the maid, having regained her 
self-command, „you have come at an hour, when 
the spirit of prophecy has deserted me and I 
should be obliged, to make a sacrifice to Hertha, 
to enable me to reveal the mystery of my signs, 
come again to morrow; I shall then give you an 
answer; to day I can not! 44 

„I will certainly return to morrow and with 
pleasure ; for I leave more here behind than the 
future promises. 

Without waiting for the maid's reply, he 
hastened away! and from the darkness of the 
wood, and the shadows of the oaks, he looked 
back once more upon the lovely sight. 

The next day he returned and found the pro- 
phetess in the same attitude, as the day before. 

He approached her respectfully bent his knee 
and kissed the hem of her dress. 

The maid allowed this and a look of satis- 
faction lit up her face, as she perceived the re- 
verence of the youth, whose image had so wonder- 
fully filled her heart with love. As if in the act 
of blessing him she laid her hand upon his head 



- 67 — 



and said in a low and trembling voice, which 
betrayed her excitement: 

„You have come, to hear tour fortune?" 

„ Not from the prophetess", replied the youth, 
„but from the lips of one I love!" added he 
softly. 

The maid was not angry, even when he drew 
her hand to his lips and looking up, he perceived 
her absorbed in deep thought and tears in her eyes. 

„ Hertha will punish me for not having guar- 
ded my heart better. — She must forgive me! 
I am in love! u 

„ You love me ? tf exclaimed the youth joyfully. 
„Oh, heavenly maid, how can I reward you for 
the bliss, which I derive from those words? — 
Oh weep not; Hertha may vent her anger on 
me; for I am strong and the Gods know my 
courage in battle, but you, added he, entwining 
her tenderly in his arms you shall be my »Walkyre tf 
and lead me to the regions where heroes banquet 
and bards sing their praises and there pour me 
out Wodans mead. — Oh, come with me; you 
will bring me bliss and I will make you as 
happy, as a tender-loving heart can. Freya 
will sweeten our life and appease Hertha by her 
offerings." 

„ No, No ! K replied the prophetess softly shaking 
her head. Our love must be concealed by the 
shadows of night, for a priestess of Hertha dare 

5* 



- 68 - 

not be man's wife and an inmate of his house. 
If you love me, return often, very often, and lest 
nobody should surprise us, I will wait for you 
at the rivulet, where it branches off in five di- 
rections running into five different ponds, in which 
I consecrate offerings to Hertha : there we are 
safe from observation and can enjoy our love 
undisturbed !" 

Thankful and happy the young man swore to 
return and at the solicitation of the prophetess 
he departed promising to see her again on the 
following day. 

The next evening arrived and full of happiness, 
and expectation he hastened with winged steps 
to the place of meeting. Arrived at the appointed 
spot he there saw his beloved stretched on the 
ground and a huge wolf, with fangs full of gore, 
tearing out her heart. 

With a yell of rage he rushed upon the mons- 
ter and thrust his sword into its jaws, killing 
it immediately. He then stooped down, raised 
the life-less head of his mistress and called her 
tenderly by name. In vain! Hertha had punis- 
hed her faithless priestess! 

In Heidelberg's grand hall, 
When in its glorious days; 
There was a jester small, 
Eenown'd for his quaint ways. 



- 69 — 



His thirst was great and that 
Beyond discription so — 
Once to the monster vat 
The pages made him go. 

Unto that Monarch grand 
Who proudly there does reign, 
Whose spirit mighty bland, 
Is perfume of old wine. 

Ha! ha; bethought the fool, 
How stupid would it be 
To leave this cellar cool — 
For ever part from thee. — 

No! no! — I am sincere, 

I care not to return; 

My heaven is centerd here, 

My throat with thirst does burn. 

Then quick a gimlet drew, 
And bored until it ran 
And drank — and drank anew 
'Till all before him swam. 

Then down he sank and slept; 

And dreamt of Paradise. 

As o'er him gaily lept 

That stream he thought so nice. 

The pages who had brought him 

Listen'd quietly and long, 

Until fear o'ercame them, 

With thoughts of something wrong. 



— 70 - 



Then carefully and slow, 
All hand in hand they crept, 
Unto the fool below, 
Who peacefully still slept. 

Ke slept the sleep of peace — 
— Had drown' d himself in wine. 
The smile that lit his face 
Was happiness divine. 



Auerbach. 



is most people are prone to believe that 
\ old castles and ancient strongholds 
| contain hidden treasures, so may we 
' imagine them to contain hidden and 
decayed wine-cellars, since in ancient times "wine 
was regarded as a gift of the Gods and conse- 
quently carefully treasured. 

The Greeks and Romans consecrated a part- 
icular G-od to it, the poets sang its praises and 
others drank it. Wine-cellars are very desirable 
places and it is not to be wondered at. if people 
took the trouble to build them and enjoy their 
contents. 

A peasant, once passing the castle of Auerbach 
must have been inspired with the same idea, as 
he viewed the vineyards on the surrounding hills 
and exclaimed mournfully ; „If one only had that 
which in former times was wantonly destroyed 
and wasted ! u "Whereupon a short stout old man, 
with a leather-apron round his waist, suddenly 




stood before him and looked at him with eyes 
beaming with good humour. 

w 'Woul<Tst like to refresh thyself in the wine 
of the great, I guess ? ! — Come along with me 
and I will gratify you; we can then pass a 
pleasant hour together." 

„Lead the way, sir; I will follow; for I can 
not refuse such a kind offer ! a 

At that moment a sweet fragrance of wine 
assailed his nose and intoxicated his senses be- 
forehand. 

The cooper tripped through vines, hedges of 
thorns and over broken walls, till he arrived at 
a decayed cellar- door, where he invited the 
peasant to descend the rotten, and partly with 
gray moss covered, steps. 

When they had arrived at the bottom, he 
took a candle, a syphon and a mighty bowl from 
a niche in the wall and led the guest over the 
moist and slippery ground into the depht of the 
long and hollow resounding vaults. 

They had not proceeded far, when, by the 
feeble glimmer of the candle-light, a gigantic 
tun appeared from out the darkness and the 
cooper began with loving tenderness to relate, 
that they were now in his kingdom, where the 
subjects peaceably waited for their deliverance 
through him. 

At the same time he held the candle so, that 



— 73 — 



his guest could peer in to the dephts of the cellar, 
wherein a long row of tuns lay , one beside 
another, in calm contentment, till the last dis- 
appeared in darkness. 

„You all-bountiful l u exclaimed the peasant 
astonished and rejoiced, at the same time, clapping 
his hands. „Why, such a grand collection of 
the best gifts of nature I never saw before, and 
the tuns glitter like pure gold/ 

„ Truly so!" smiled the cooper, the reason is, 
because the wine has formed its own cask: for 
those, which man made, are rotten and decayed 
long ago. But come along, to look at them is 
not sufficient, we must taste them and then you 
must tell me, if you ever found a wine like mine. 

There upon he applied the syphon, filled the 
bowl and drank to the peasant. 

The peasant drank the fragrant fluid with 
mighty draughts and having emptied the bowl, 
he smacked his lips with an air of satisfaction. 

„That is a magnificent wine", cried he with 
rapture ; indeed I never drank better : oh, how 
delicious. 

„Go forward, you will find it better still; 
that was only an inferior one, farther back is 
my better sort." 

Thus they wandered from cask to cask and 
it was not long, before the peasant began to 
cry and howl, embrace the casks, kiss them and 



- 74 — 



appear quite enamoured with their contents. But 
the cooper laughed and said at every new goblet. 

„ Oh, that is nothing! There is something 
better coming!" 

And better still came; for when the peasant 
had tried the last cask and had even emptied a 
glass there of filled to the brim, his tears gushed 
more abundantly; he became giddy and sinking 
down he fell into a deep slumber. 

When he awoke the next morning, he found 
himself in a ditch behind the ruin and as soon 
as he had recovered his senses sufficiently, he 
sought for the entrance to the cellar but in vain ! 
he could not find it. 

Since then many have sought for it, but no 
one could ever discover it. Some can at times 
inhale such a fragrant perfume of wine, when 
passing that way that they exclaim one to another : 

„The cooper is tasting his wine!" 




Frankfort o. M. 




t the end of the Eschenheimer-street 
in Frankfort o. ML stands a tower sur- 
mounted by five tall points, the centre 
J one of which is furnished with a vane, 



in which nine round holes form the number 9. 

The tradition of the origin of these holes tells 
us, that once a notorious poacher sat as a prisoner 
in the tower, awaiting his judgment. He was 
a famous shot and though they could not impute 
any grave crime to him, yet his poaching was 
sufficient to bring down upon him a high penalty. 

G-loomy and dejected the prisoner sat in his 
cell, with his back turned to the rays of the 
sun, which penetrated through the crated window 
into his room and seemed to call him out upon 
the verdant plains, where every one, busily and 
cheerily, enjoyed its warm rays; the sun and 
the poacher were old acquaintances and as the 
latter would not turn his face to the sun, his 



— 76 — 



rays grew visibly paler and withdrew slowly 
and sadly up until it disappeared through the 

window. 

Discontented with himself and the whole world 
the prisoner sunk upon the boards and tried to 
sleep. 

He at last succeeded and pleasant must have 
been his dreams, for a cheerful expression spread 
over his features: but on a sudden they were 
contracted by rage, he struggled with hands and 
feet and grinding his teeth mutter'cL „Ha, you 
villain, that was a trap! 11 His distorted features 
changed into painful sadness; they once more 
contracted, as he muttered something indistinctly, 
at the same time moving restlessly on his couch 
and compressing his fingers, like one whose 
mind was troubled. But this expression vanished : 
bold resolution pictured itself on his face and his 
breast heaved as with a proud consciousness of 
his strenght. 

Just then the prison-door opened and the 
turnkey with a rough shake roused him from his 
dreams, so that he, at first dit now know, where 
he was. 

He however soon became aware of his posi- 
tion: for two messengers from the high council 
stood before him and read his sentence of death, 
which comdemned him to be hanged. 

After having heard the sentence he began: 



— 77 — 



„That is a sin, gentlemen, for I did nothing but 
kill those animals, which were given to us all 
for our use. An animal is hut an animal and on 
its account to kill a man, is a crime, which must 
he answered before God." 

„ You are known as a dangerous poacher," 
replied one of the judges, „and your comrades 
as well as the praiseworthy company of foresters 
accuse you of being in league with the devil and 
from him procuring charmed bullets." 

fl It 's false, and to prove it, I offer to shoot 
in public and with blessed powder and bullets 
nine shots through the vane of the tower, which 
shall form a number." 

„Ah, if you can perform that, you will remove 
the chief motive of your sentence. But reflect 
well for you challenge the Most-High, whom 
none dare deride with impunity!' 4 

„I can do it!" replied the hunter proudly. 
„for I am innocent and excepting a few wild 
pranks my conscience charges me with no crime !" 

The report of this proposal spread like light- 
ning through the town and the inhabitants, as 
well as the foresters who interested themselves 
in his fate, and whose sympathy he had won by 
the marvellous confidence he exhibited in his own 
skill, forced themselves into the council and 
insisted upon the pardon of the hunter, if he 
carried out his assertion. 



The hunter was informed, that judges would 
witness his skill and if he suceeded in verifying 
his assertion, he would be pardoned and set at 
liberty. But if one bullet missed or failled in 
forming the number, he must certainly die. 

The hunter agreed and the next day was the 
day fixed for his trial of skill. 

The following morning an immense crowd 
thronged around the foot of the tower, which at 
that time was still joined with the town-rampart 
and accessible therefrom; the guild of foresters 
ranged themselves upon the wall and their master 
prepared to cast the bullets, which should decide 
the prisoner's fate. 

He was led forth at last and again addressed 
by a monk, who admonished him, not to tempt 
God, if his skill was only founded on the assist- 
ance of the devil* 

„Have patience, reverend father* 4 , replied the 
hunter, „with the help of God and St. Hubert 
I will write my answer to that on the weather- 
cock of the tower." 

The master of toresters loaded the gun and 
handed it to him. 

Deep silence hovered over the assembly, as 
the prisoner took his gun and prepared to fire; 
but when after the report, the creaking and 
shinning of the vane indicated, that he had shot 
a hole through it the multitude gave vent to 



— 79 - 



their feelings in loud shouts of joy and caps and 
hats ware waved. 

The hunter prepared to fire again. All were 
breathless. After the report the vane turned 
again and a second hole was visible, which also 
was hailed with loud and long hurras. 

Nine times the hunter fired and nine times 
the bullets hit the mark, which he assigned them. 
After having fired the last bullet, and completed 
the figure 9 he sank on his knees and all, who 
were present, bared their heads and joined him 
in prayer from the depht of their hearts. 

On the evening of the same day the hunter, 
loaded with presents, walked through the archway 
of that tower which had been the scene of his 
skill, and from that time on he became a highly 
respected forester. He never returned to Frank- 
fort after; its memory had become detestabe 
to him. 



The colony of the Jews. 



mong the Roman soldiers, who destroyed 
| Jerusalem, there served a lord of Dal- 
berg, whose hereditary castle at Herns- 
j helm near Worms is still inhabited by 
his descendants. It has been through time changed, 
enlarged and improved. It is useles to enter into 
particulars, as the legend we have to mention 
has little to do with the castle and its fate. 

The above-mentioned Dalberg was centurion 
and received as booty a number of Jewis pri- 
soners, which he took with him into his native 
country, to found a colony. 

These were the first Jews in Germany. Pain- 
ful was the departure of the unhappy prisoners, 
bereft of their home and goods by the war. But 
in order, not to loose ail remembrance of their 
home, they filled sacks with earth and took them 
as holy relics into the distant country, that after 
their death at last they could be buried in native 
ground. 




- 81 — 



Among the captives was distinguished an old 
man, who, guided by his lovely daughter, bloom- 
ing with all the charms of innocence, tottered 
mournfully into the foreign country. 

He was a wise man, filled with a strong 
confidence in God, and he, like his daughter, 
instilled by advice and deed new hope and cour- 
age in to their desolate fellow prisoners, remind- 
ing them of Jehovah's omnipotence. 

A more beautiful contrast could not be imag- 
ined, than the old man led by the lovely girl; 
it seemed, as if nature autumn wandered hand 
in hand with blooming spring, and the serene 
tranquillity which both displayed, excited such 
a veneration, that even the soldiers during the 
long journey became more affable and abstained 
from coarse jests. 

Soon after the arrival of the Jews at Worms 
the lord of Dalberg arrived also, to recover in 
his castle from the hardships of the Jewish 
war. His neighbours and friends came from far 
and near to hear the recital of his adventures 
and those of the Roman army from the lips of 
an eye-witness, and huntingparties, banquets and 
entertainments of all kinds followed each other 
in quick succession. 

Among the guests, who most frequently visited 
the castle of the centurion, was a distinguished 
Roman officer, who belonged to a cohort of the 





— 82 — 



garrison of Mayence, stationed there for guarding 
the borders of the empire against the Germans. 
He was rich and noble and had been for a long 
time one of Dalberg's most intimate friends. 

He was a worldly man and had no sooner 
seen the lovely but unfortunate Jewess than he 
began to consider the best plan to obtain pos- 
sesion of her. 

To buy her from Dalberg was impossible, as 
he would not agree with it. 

Only one chance remained that was to run 
away with her ; no sooner thought of, than deter- 
mined upon. For this purpose he prepared a place 
of refuge, hidden in a deep forest, in the vicinity 
of Mayence and then rode towards Worms, where 
he saw the maid, as she was fetching water, 
seized her, and in spite of her resistance leapt 
with her upon the horse and galloped off. 

The Eoman tried everything in his power to 
induce her to look favourably upon him but 
without avail. Neither kind words nor rich pre- 
sents could prevail upon her to deviate from 
the part of virtue. 

Irritated at last by the maid's obstinacy, as 
he called it, and aware that searches, were being 
made for the stolen one, resolved one evening 
to compel her to submit to his proposals. 

Just returned from a bacchanalian orgie, which 
he had celebrated with some friends, he hastened 



— 83 — 



to his prisoner and again tried his persuasions 
but in vain! 

„ You shall not escape me, little prude!" said 
he. Excited with wine and passion ; he seized 
her and tried to kiss her ; but the maid struggled 
from him and as he became more excited and 
continued his importunities she fell on her knees 
and invoked God to protect her. 

„A curse on your God!" cried the Roman. 
-Mine you must be, and if it cost my life!" So 
saying he rushed upon the helpless girl and was 
about to violate her when with a loud peal of 
thunder a flaming stone fell and killed him. 

The maid was saved, but when she looked at 
the instrument of her deliverance, the features 
of Jehovah shone therefrom with such a dazzling 
brilliancy that she became blind. 

Dalberg and her father discovered the maid 
at last, who through her misfortune had become 
more lovely, and when she told them, what had 
happened they wondered and looked with reve- 
rence and awe at the stone, on which the name 
of Jehovah was engraved in Hebrew letters, but 
which was now without the splendour that blin- 
ded the maid. 

The unhappy maid and her old father died a 
few months after this event, within a short time 
of eachother. They were the first Jews who were 
buried in Germany. 

6* 



- 84 



It is said that the stone at a later period, 
adorned the ceiling of the Synagogue in Worms. 

It is worth mentioning, that the earth which 
they took with them from Judea is still to be 
found, they say, in a particular spot of the 
Jewish burial-ground at Worms, 




The daughter 
of the castellan of Worms. 



s one leaves the railway-Station and 
s passes through the gate, turning to the 
I left, arrives at a large square, enclosed 
' by chains, opposite to which stands 
on old manorhouse, built in the renaissance-style 
and called „"Wampoider Hof. tt 

This structure, which at present is divided 
into two properties, once belonged to one of the 
most distinguished patricians of Hayence, the 
lord of Wampold, and was inhabited by a cas- 
tellan, who was charged with its preservation. 

The castellan himself was a nobleman, whose 
estates had been mortgaged long ago and who 
had, as a kinsman of the family of Wampold, 
obtained this post through favour. He was old 
and infirm, having in his young days been in 
many campaigns and now only found consolation 
for the vanities of the past in his young daughter, 




- 86 - 



"who, in the freshness of youth, was one of the 
most beaufitul among her companions. 

No wonder therefore, that many young gentle- 
men wooed the beauty and hovered about her, 
like butterflies around flowers. But no wonder 
also, that these attentions made her somewhat 
capricious, for a maid, flattered by many lovers, 
can seldom retain those most charming qualities, 
naturalness and simplicity. 

Among the youths who endeavoured to please 
her only one gained her especial favour and he 
was of good family like herself but poor and the 
only son of an old widow. 

He was slender and nobly formed and out- 
shone by piety, courage and a cultivated mind 
all those superficial fellows, who relying upon 
the power of their riches, neglect to acquire the 
true treasures, virtue and education. 

The maid, although spoiled and capricious, 
loved him sincerely and their happiness seemed 
founded, as the father approved of their love 
and betrothed her to the youth. 

One night — it happened to be the Walpurgis 
night — in the little society of young people in 
the ^AVampolder Hof a many stories of witches 
and witchcraft had been told. When the keepers 
daughter suddenly formed the idea of imposing 
upon her lover the task of watching, at mid- 
night where the roads cross: the procession of 



— 87 - 



witches and give her a description of it after- 
wards. The youth laughingly promised, for he 
was courageous and believed that a Christian, 
conscious of no guilt, could never be harmed by 
witchcraft. Defenceless he rapidly strode to the 
neighbouring field and never returned. 

At the report of this horrible event the mother 
of the missed youth cursed the silly maid, who 
went mad and died, but every Walpurgis night 
as is said she runs about the town, calling 
anxiously for he lover. 

How and where the youth disappeared, could 
never be ascertained. Some believed, the witches 
had torn him to pieces and scattered his limbs 
in the air, but others, more sensible, thought, 
his rivals had murdered him and thrown him into 
the Rhine, which last opinion seems most pro- 
bable; as the fishermen of the Rhine some time 
after found a corpse, whose swollen limbs appeared 
to be those of the unhappy youth. 



Worms. 



mong'st other things of interest attached 
to the vicinity I must mention the 
Eosengarten (garden of rosesj ; a mea- 
dow situated opposite Worms on the 
right hank of the Khine and made popular 
by being mentioned in the famed song of the 
,,Mbelungen". 

Another spot mentioned in the above song 
is the Drachenfels near Diirkheim on the Haardt 
on which rock Siegfried killed the dragon which 
desolated the surrounding country. 

Then again Worms is celebrated for its wine 
called ^Liebfrauenmiich" which grows around the 
church of „Our blessed Lady 44 of Liebe Frau 
and is supposed to derive its name from the 
following legend: 

An old nobleman of Burgundy was very fond 
of wine, but on the other hand was pious and 
gave generously to the poor. 

This vexed the arch fiend, who in those times 
was obliged to win souls through cunning and 



- 89 - 



he resolved, to ensnare his soul playing- upon 
his weakness. He disguised himself as a strolling 
knight, became acquainted with the nobleman 
and when the other praised the excellent qualities 
of his wine and placed before Satan a bumper 
of the excellent juice the latter gave the noble- 
man such an enticing description of a wine, 
which according to his statement, he had drunk, 
in the south, that the inveterate wine-drinker 
promised any thing, if his guest could procure 
him a wine like the one he had described. 

The stranger promised to plant a similar vine- 
3'ard for the knight, on the condition of the for- 
feiture of his soul. The vineyard grew as if by 
magic and the produce of the first vintage was 
so luscious, that the nobleraan, in a moment of 
ecstacy occasioned by liberal potations christened 
it, in spite of the devil's admonitions „Liebfrauen- 
milch" (Milk of our blessed Lady), meaning thereby 
that better could not be found. 

At hearing that name, the devil looked furious 
indeed; but he consoled himself with the hope 
of possessing the knight's soul. But in this he 
was also mistaken, for the „good Lady", who 
felt pity for the good-hearted and pious knight 
and wished to return her thanks for the dedication 
of the vine-yard, just at the time when the devil 
was about to realize his bond, sent some angels, 
who drove him away. But the knight, who had 



— 90 — 



learned by this circumstance, how wine may en- 
danger ones salvation, built a small chapel in 
his vineyard to the honour of the „Blessed Lady" 
and for many years is supposed to have enjoyed, 
under her protection, the devil's delicious wine. 

Every one will agree, that the „Liebfrauen- 
milch" deserves the latter appellation; but I 
leave the reader to decide, whether it was really 
planted by the devil or not as the tradition 
says it was. 



Oppenheim. 




,ne evening a young" painter arrived in 
I Oppenheim, which is situated near the 
I banks of the Rhine and entered an 



mn, at the door of which at that 



moment appeared the curly head of a beautiful 
young girl, who looked smilingly at the strolling 
artist. 

„That happens luckily", thought the painter, 
„ for if in entering a town the first object one 
meets is a girl, it forbodes good, I will not be 
deaf to this call of fortune and shall remain here. 

Thus saying he entered and the maid blush- 
ingly withdrew. 

„ Good evening, fair maid!* exclaimed the 
painter afterwards in the tap-room „ Grant me 
a lodging in your house and a kind look from 
your sweet eyes. I come a great distance, am 
weary and long for refreshment of the body as 
well as rest." 

Smilingly the maid listened to the cheerful 
speech of the new-comer, and when he had finis- 
hed, she bowed and asked, what his wishes were. 



— 92 — 



„A bed room and as we cannot subsist on 
the perfume of roses and sunshine, I would like 
something 1 more substantial, for example a chicken 
and a glass of wine! 44 

„You shall have both!" replied the maid 
smiling and hastening away, to give the necessary 
orders. 

The painter looked after her and as soon as 
she had disappeared, he said: „Hxn, she does not 
seem to take much notice of iny words. But 
beautiful she is indeed, and I will have her in 
my portfolio ; if she accepts her payment in 
kisses, she shall have my whole store of them." 

Singing and whistling he walked up and 
down the room, till a boy brought him the key 
of his chamber, with the remark, that he had 
been charged to show him to it. 

„Here boj T , take this money and buy your 
sweet-heart something; a ribbon or a such like 
bauble, for I guess you have a sweet-heart too 
it being the fashion now." 

The boy put the piece of money in his pocket 
with a smile and such a sly look, that the painter 
laughed loudly. 

Arrived in his small, but pretty room, he 
made himself comfortable, eat and drank what 
was served him, took from his travelling bag a 
change, brushed himself and arranged his long, 
flowing hair before the looking glass. 



After having again examined his toilette and 
found it in order, he hastened down into the 
garden, where he met the landlord's charming 
daughter, watering the flowers. 

„Are you come to help me?" asked she at 
seeing him. 

„Certaily, queen of roses or better said Un- 
dine!" 

„ Whose fountain is the watering-pot", inter- 
rupted the maid jesting. 

i -Be it so, if it only flows!" replied the youth, 
seizing the vessel and amid jokes and merriment 
soon became absorbed in his work. 

The maid, was not all afraid of this merry 
fellow, but returned his jests in like manner and 
they soon began laughing and running about 
the garden, throwing rose-leaves and water at 
each other. After having concluded peace, they 
walked quietly through the garden together and 
conversed about the beauties and curiosities of 
the „ environs", when the maid was informed, 
that her admirer was a painter, about to visit 
and sketch the finest points of the Rhine. 

„Oh, then be so kind, as to sketch my dear 
Oppenheim also!" entreated the maid, half jest- 
ing, half serious. „The ruins must be very beautiful ; 
by moonlight and also the hous*e in the town 
below, peaceably reposing in slumber." 

„Why not in sunlight ? I would then have the 



— 94 — 



opportunity of embellishing the picture withyour 
lovely portrait!" said the painter laughing-. 

B No, no: the picture must be romantic and 
will not be so ; if it contains my portrait!' 4 

B Well I shall visit the ruins at night and I 
promise to copy them faithfully/ 

-And shall I also have a copy?- 

B You shall have the original; in that you 
will be happier, than L~ 

„ Who knows? 8 replied she, blushing and with 
a nod sprang away. 

The youth walked at night fall towards the 
ruins of the church, which still contains the 
bones of the soldie r s. who fell in the thirty-years 
war at Oppenheim. The moon illumined the de- 
cayed walls with a ghastly light and the wind 
blew through the foliage of the trees. A gloomy 
silence reigned over the bedewed fields; and the 
steps of the traveller sounded hollowly through 
the night. 

Absorbed in melancholy thoughts at the view 
of the ruins, which appeared in the light of the 
moon m»:st terribly weird, he walked on. till his 
foot knocked against a skull, which rolled wirh 
a hollow sound over the ground and stooped 
with its grinning race upwards. 

-Decay putrefaction", exclaimed the youth 
sighing, .are ail. that remains of wojdly pomp 
and splendour! All vanishes except the glory". 



— 95 — 



added he with ardour, „and happy he, who 
gains it!" 

Meditating thus he had wandered through the 
building for some time, when the moon sud- 
denly became overclouded; at that moment it 
struck midnight ; and hearing a noise behind him, 
he turned round and with horror saw, that the 
bones joined and formed skeletons. 

Scarce were the skeletons upright on their 
shaky legs, than they separated; the Swedes 
joined the Swedes and the Spaniards the Spa- 
niards. The word of command was uttered in 
a hoarse voice, upon which they attacked each 
other furiously. 

At this horrible sight, the young man, covered 
with a cold perspiration, supported himself against 
the wall. His teeth chattered and his limbs seemed 
no longer able to support his body. 

However the fighting of this army of skele- 
tons became more and more furios. Many of 
both parties sank sighing and moved no more. 
One of these skeletons, the skull of which had 
received the kick, fell at the feet of the young 
man, uttering woeful cries. When its dark and 
hollow eyes by chance met those of the young 
man, a light seemed to come from them and it 
exclaimed sighing and threatening: 

„ Mortal, who viewed the combat of the dead, 
tell to all how we are forced to persecute each 



- 96 — 



other even after death, because instead of loving* 
each another during life, we were enemies. Alas, 
we shall find no rest, until we are buried!" 

These words were scarcely uttered, when the 
clock struck one and the skeletons ceased fighting. 

When the young man, recovered from his 
deadly fear, he hurried away and did not recover 
his tranquility, until he arrived at the inn, where 
the maiden received and consoled him for what 
he had endured. On the next day the bones where 
found in wild disorder, dispersed here and there 
and when shortly after the seven-years' war broke 
out the people of Oppenheim said, it had been 
foretold by the apparition of the skeletons. 

The painter often resorted to the ruins and 
related the circumstance to his wife, and she as 
often described how pale and terrified he looked 
on his return. The reader will easily recognize 
in her the pretty maid, whose view had seemed 
to the painter an omen of good luck : for, though 
he had not gained eternal glory, at least he in 
his household enjoyd constant happiness, founded 
upon love and confidence. 



The maiden-leap. 



h former times, when giants were still 
in existence and men not only had to 
combat against their own passions, 
' but also against the evils of those 
monsters, one of them lived in the Haardtmoun- 
tains* 

He "built a fortress upon the top of a high 
mountain, from the tower of which he could survey 
the whole country. It so happened that some 
miles distant from him lived a beautiful damsel, 
who was as courageous as she was graceful and 
spiritual. She inhabited an abandoned castle ; she 
rode, hunted and took great delight in such-like 
manly exercises. However at home she managed 
her household very cleverly and showed as much 
skill at her spinning-wheel, as in bending the 
bow, whose arrows rarely missed their aim. 

One day the young girl happened to meet 
the giant; he instantly formed the resolution, of 
possessing her. He reflected for a long time 
upon the manner to be pursued, and the more 




he thought of her, the more her image charmed 
him and unsettled his mind; he wanderd through 
his castle in the greatest excitement and sleep 
forsook him. 

At lenght not able to endure it any longer? 
he called his trusty servant, gave him a quantity 
of valuable jewels as presents for the maid and 
charged him, to urge his suit with her. 

The servant, a cunning fellow, thought to 
himself, on his way to the maid's castle: „Why 
should I give all these precious things to the maid 
and perhaps bring back a refusal? That would 
be folly indeed and it is much better for me 
to keep the jewels as a reward for my journey 
and bring him a refusal at once." 

After having thus reflected, he left the road 
and entered a forest for the purpose of seeking 
a hiding-place for the treasures, which he had 
received for the maid. 

Having advanced far into the forest, he 
suddenly saw a youth wringing his hands and 
weeping. 

„ Ah!" said the servant to himself: „This 
young man may give me more accurate infor- 
mation about the country and even show the 
way to the maid's castle, that I may hear from 
her own lips, her message to the giant. 46 And 
having said so, he called the young man who 
looked at the stranger with astonishment, at 



- 99 — 



the same time putting' his hand to his sword, for 
greater security. 

.Don't he afraid'," cried the dishonest mes- 
senger, „I am a stranger and am looking for a 
quiet, lonely place, where I could rest myself/ 

.If that is, what you wish, I can show yon 
a secret place, for I am always ready to offer 
strangers ray poor services." 

He left go of Ms sword and offered his hand 
to the stranger, who grasped it rejoiced, to have 
found a guide. 

On the way the young man related his mis- 
fortune and narrated, that he was in love with 
a young girl, whom he dared not approach on 
account of his poverty. 

The cunning fellow soon perceived from the 
young mans words; that the fire, which con- 
sumed his heart, had been kindled by the same 
eyes ; which had inflamed the heard of his lord. 
A malicious smile played over his face, for he 
was thinking of a horrible plan, how to keep 
the treasures and still receive from his master 
a large reward for his fidelity. 

Alter having reflected upon it, he confided 
to the young man, that he was in possession of 
a treasure, which he intended to bury. -Help 
me u , said he, -and you shall have a share of it, 
which will enable you, to marry your beloved 
maid." The youth agreed with pleasure and when 



— 100 — 



they arrived at the place, they began to work 
and dug a great hole. The place was solitary 
and pleasant; there was a large stone, irrigated 
by a rivulet They both worked hard, but scarce 
was the hole dug, when the criminal rushed 
suddenly upon the youth, exclaiming: You must 
now die, for nobody shall know, where the trea- 
sure is hid." 

The youth, who suspected no evil, had put 
his sword upon a stone, for the purpose of not 
being hindered by it in his work. 

The assassain had remarked it and assailed the 
youth, putting himself between him and the 
sword. Having previously seen the young man 
in tears, the robber thought him a coward, but 
he found his mistake, for scarce had the youth 
recovered from his surprise, when he suddenly 
rushed upon the assassin and flung him with 
such violence on the stone, that he sunk down 
moaning and nearly fainting. The youth hastened 
to seize his sword and in his wrath was already 
about to stab the miserable assassain, when he 
craved pardon saying, that he had a secret to 
tell, which would be more agreeable to him, than 
all the treasures of the world. 

The youth felt pity for the cowardly wretch, 
withdrew his sword and anxious to hear, what 
he had to communicate, summoned him to speak. 

The impostor told him the aim of his journey 



— J 01 — 



and the love of the giant, his lord, for the fair 
and courageous lady of the castle; observing, that 
the giant, would go to extremes for the sake of 
obtaining his object. 

„I care not ; let him come," cried the youth 
conscious of his strength and passionate love, „I 
will stand against him, if he dares to attempt 
anything against her!" 

He then took his legitimate share of the 
treasure, and likewise the horse of the vanquished 
and withdrew, abandoning the wretch to his fate. 

The giant grew impatient : he waited in vain 
for the return of his messenger and as his passion 
grew stronger ; he resolved to fetch an answer 
himself. No sooner said, than done. He rose 
and walked to the castle of his lady-love. 

She happened to be sitting among her maids 
helping them to fold the linen and lay it in order 
in the cup-board, when it was announced to her, 
that a giant waited before the gate of the castle 
and wished to speak to her. Surprised and with 
a secret feeling of danger she went out on the 
turret of the castle, as the gate was too narrow 
for the giant. 

„ Young lady", cried the monster, I will marry 
you and if you don't agree to be my wife, I 
shall demolish your castle and kill you and all 
your people." 

The young girl shuddered and melted into 



— 102 — 



tears, when she reflected upon her horrible destiny. 
In vain she conjured the giant, to spare her and 
promised him all her treasures. In vain her maids 
knelt before him; he laughed at her pain and 
said, that the tears made her still more beautiful 
and his passion more violent. 

As the giant was inexorable, the maid stepped 
forth resolutely andsaith: „You shall marry me, 
but all who woo me, must first prove, that they 
are worthy of me." 

.,011/' replied the giant laughing: „ you doubt 
of my strenght? Shall I root up the trees, which 
overshadow you?' 4 and saying this he grasped 
a huge lime-tree and pulled it out, as if it were 
a reed. 

The maid replied trembling : „It is not bodily 
strenght, which inspires me with confidence, but 
resoluteness and presence of mind in danger/' 

a Well, let us see, fair maid! What is your 
desire ? a 

„Rtin after me and if you overtake me, I will 
follow you into your castle/' 

The wretch smilingly consented to the pro- 
posal for he delighted in seeing the maid be- 
tween hope and fear, before he took her to his 
castle. 

The resolute maid took courage, ordered forth 
her favourite steed, adorned with the prettiest 
saddle; she herself put on her finest attire and 



- 103 — 



took leave of her maids as well as of her castle 
and estates. 

„Sooner will I die, than follow this monster; 
and if God abandons me, and I cannot escape 
him, I will kill myself; even on the steps of the 
altar, whither he will drag me!" 

Having uttered these words, she once more 
took leave of her maids, vaulted nimbly upon the 
horse and galloped away. 

The contest in running began ; the steed neighed 
loudly and merrily; as if it were conscious, that 
the' fate of its mistress depended on its swiftness, 
it ran its best. The giant followed close behind, 
for the sight of the charming lady and her splendid 
attire had heated his brain. 

They had run many miles and the giant 
gained upon her gradually; her steed was tired 
and she gave up the hope of rescue. 

Shuddering at the thought of being obliged 
to wed the monster, she preferred death and 
spurred her steed to the border of a chasm. 

The noble animal made its last effort, leapt 
over the chasm and arrived luckily at the other 
side. The giant roaring with rage approached 
the rock and beheld at the other side the maid 
kneeling down praying, while her horse grazed 
calmly by her side, as if nothing had happened. 
He strode up and down, the border of the chasm, 
when suddenly a shout of joy announced to the 



frightened maid, that he had found a passage. 
He prepared already to profit by it, when a 
knight, out of breath, arrived bidding the giant 
stop. Astonished at the boldness of the stranger, 
the giant remained motionless. The young knight 
descended from his horse, drew his sword and 
rushed on the giant, who, already exhausted by 
the long race, had lost most of his strength. 
After a terrible combat the giant, near the steep 
side of the rock, was about to seize a huge 
stone, with which he meant to kill his adversary, 
when his foot slipped and he plunged head-fore- 
most into the chasm. 

Between fear and hope, the maid had watched 
the doubtful combat and when as by a miracle 
it was at last decided and the knight came to 
meet the anxious maiden, she hastened to him 
and sank on his breast in tears. 

The knight, after having abandoned the wret- 
ched messenger in the forest to his unhappy fate, 
had repaired to the maid, to inform her of the 
giant's machinations and by that, to gain her 
favour. On the way he with surprise and in- 
dignation saw the race and foreseeing mischief 
followed them at full gallop and arrived just in 
time to save her. 

The young man again expressing his rapture 
at her deliverance, begged her to accept him as 
protector and companion for life; she looked up 



— 105 — 



at him, her face resplendent with love and gra- 
titude, offered him her hand and withdrew it 
not when he pressed it to his lips. 

Some days after their jojful return to the 
castle, the wedding was celebrated; they lived 
long and happily and were blessed with children, 
who resembled them in mind and body. 

The rock, which was then a barrier to evil, 
is to the present time called the ^Maiden's 
leap." 



The vintagers daughter. 



pon a rock there stands aloft, 

A little cottage clean, 
From whose window eyes most soft, 
Peer out with look serene. 

A female with fair curly head, 

Sits pensively and mild; 
From her hair the sunbeams shed 

A halo round the child. 

How oft I've stood and linger'd, 
To watch that creature fair; 

As with looks cast heavenward 
She rivalled any there. 

Her image in my boyhood's heart 

Is firm as firm can be; 
Day and night that image bright, 

Methinks I always see — . 




Mayence. 



hortly after the Christian faith had 
taken firm root in Germany and So- 
man and Grecian literature had trans- 
planted itself there, monasteries were 
found to be the only safe asylums for devotees 
to science and arts. 

From these quiet institutions flowed know- 
ledge and as a forerunner of Poetry came the 
troubadour. In later times, as the minds of the 
people became more cultivated and delighted 
more in the simple songs of the minstrel, the 
poetry of the Mastersinger commenced and the 
poetical efforts became more general. 

The prosperity of the cities added not a little 
to the popularity of minstrelsy. People establi- 
shed societies for the promulgation of the art and 
authors of the best songs and verses were rewarded 
with prizes. Among the founders of those aca- 
demies and the most renowned in the towns along 
the Rhine was Henry of Meissen, who flourished 
in the beginning of the fourteenth century. 



His songs, of which a considerable number 
are still preserved, exhale a noble enthusiasm 
for female beauty and loveliness. On account of 
this prevailing character of his songs he was 
called: „Frauenlob a 3 by which name he is still 
denominated. 

The women and girls of Mayence of that 
period, who had honoured the panegyrist of their 
sex during his life, at his decease (1317) showed 
their veneneration in an extraordinary and touch- 
ing manner. They prepared obsequies for him, 
as no other either before, or after had ever re- 
ceived. 

At break of the funeral-day the bells of the 
cathedral rang accompanied by the bells of the 
other churches. Women and girls of every rank 
assembled in mourning-dresses and eight ladies 
of the greatest beauty took the coffin, which 
was covered with a pall and adorned with myrtles 
and lilies, upon their shoulders and carried it in 
funeral pace to the cathedral. A long train of 
women followed them, mingling their songs with 
the solemn sound of the bells. 

The cathedral was spendidly decorated. The 
organ sounded mournfully and solemnly through 
its high vaults. As the funeral procession en- 
tered, the sobs and lamentations of the assembly 
were heard throughout. Deep silence reigned, 
when the coffin was interred. The archbishop 



— 109 — 



himself gave the benediction and the young ladies 
strewed the tomb with roses and poured precious 
wine out of golden goblets into it. 

At the closing of the tomb a sacred hymn, 
which the deceased had composed and dedicated 
to the fair sex was sung ; then a high mass was 
celebrated, at the conclusion of which the me- 
lodius voices of the maids intoned a song, expres- 
sing the hope of immortality. 

The multitude once more thronged to the tomb 
and laid their last offerings on it; they then 
dispersed, in sadness. 

The monument, erected to him, was destroyed 
during the repairs, which were made near it in 
the year 1744, but by the praiseworthy zeal of 
professor Niclas Vogt, author of the r '„ history 
and legends of the Rhine 44 , a new monument, 
similar to the first, was erected near the same 
place. 




Arnold of Walpoden. 



jkere was a great stir in the ancient 
town of Afayence. With day-break 
crowds of men and women in splendid 
attire proceded along the banks of 
the Rhine to the place of festivity, which was 
situaded at a small distance from the town. A 
tournament had been announced for that day 
and when anything was to be seen, the citizens 
of ancient Mayence, like those of the present day, 
were not the last to appear on such occasions. 
It was a fine summer-clay, which the arch- 
bishop had chosen for the feast; the sun shone 
brilliantly, the trees overladen with ripe fruits 
promised a rich harvest. The waves of the 
Ehine resplendent in the rays of the sun bore 
decorated barges filled with merry people, and 
splendid carriages containing ladies and cavaliers 
whirled clouds of dust in the air, while a long 
procession of foot-passengers jostled on, all bound 
for the place of tournament. 




— iii — 



Numbers of all classes of society had left 
their homes: the soldier, exempt from duty, the 
scholar and the selfconceited artist : the modest, 
timid maiden and the loquacious matron. Merry 
young* fellows elbowed their way through the 
crowd, laughing' and singing, not taking care of 
the remarks of the disconcerted citizens, nor of 
the murmurs and imprecations of the soldiers. 

The balustrades were filled, A crowd of 
beautiful ladies looked from their gallery at the 
knights, who had come to gain the prizes. Behind 
the balustrades an immense crowd of spectators 
could be seen thronging close together: Peals of 
merry laughter, jokes of all kinds and the cla- 
shing of arms as the knights moved in the lists 
helped to pass away the time until the arrival 
of the archbishop whose richly decorated pavilion 
was still empty. A florish of trumpets at lenght 
announced his arrival. Four out riders preceded 
the carriage, which was drawn by six horses 
and surrounded by young knights, wo in their 
splendid armour galloped at both sides of the 
archbishop. Then followed a long train of carriages, 
containing the gentlemen and ladies of the court, 
and the empty places in the gallery were soon 
occupied by them, upon which the heralds gave 
the signal, to begin the tournament. 

From among the ladies, present to deliver the 
first prize, the archbishop had chosen the beautiful 



— 112 — 



and virtuous Anne of Walpode, which choice 
was approved by every one ? for she was of noble 
origin, lovely and amiable and fully deserved the 
preference. Behind her stood her father, whose 
dark, simple coat was decorated by the gold- 
chain of knighthood, his eye roved searchingly 
through the gay throng in the tiltyard, where 
the lances flew about in splinters and the sand 
rose in clouds from under the horses hoofs. 

The hearts of the ladies beat in great excite- 
ment, for just then two cavaliers had couched 
their lances for the third time, and rushed upon 
one another at full speed ; with a shock they met 
and as if struck by lightning one of them was 
thrown from his horse, while the other leapt to 
the ground and admist acclamations and applause 
offered his hand to his adversary. 

The conqueror was a handsome youth and as 
he knelt down before Anne of Walpode, to receive 
the prize, unspeakable rapture shone from both 
their eyes. Blushingly she delivered him the 
prize, which he pressed tenderly to his lips. 

The father took his hand, shook it warmly 
and presented him to the archbishop, who ad- 
dress'd him thus: 

„You have fought valliantly, Sir John, and 
as I value your courage, I appoint you my 
chamberlain. " 

„No thanks!" said he, stopping the knight's 



— 113 — 



expressions of gratitude : „I know your desires 
and I congratulate on your fature. Salute your 
betrothed, for now you are in a position to de- 
mand her hand! Or is it otherwise?" asked he 
smilingly of Arnold of Walpode. 

„1 have always wished* replied Arnold, „to 
have such a valiant and honest son-in-law ; but 
he, who lays claim to Anna's hand, must firstly 
prove, that he is worthy of it. K 

Distracted with joy and full of gratitude for 
this unforeseen nomination, the young man could 
not find words, to express his feelings and against 
his will he remained by the side of the patrician, 
although the sound of the trumpets announced 
the renewal of the tournament. 

„ Mingle with the crowd, dear John, and 
come and dine with me, when yon return from 
the castle and have got your appointment!* 
whispered Arnold in the ear of the young man, 
who warmly squeezed the hand of the noble 
father; then he withdrew hastily, while the pa- 
trician went smiling to his place behind his 
daughter, whose cheeks were covered with blushes 
and dared not to look at him. 

It happened, that on the day of the tourn- 
ament count Diether of Katzenelienbogen was 
likewise present at Mayence and he saw the 
charming daughter of the patrician. Her great 
fortune as well as her grace and beauty weighed 

8 



— 114 — 



heavily with the count, whose purse had suffered 
a little by the rebuilding of the stronghold of 
Rheinfels. Confiding in his power and nobility, 
he presented himself before Arnold of Walpode, 
to demand the hand of his daughter, and be- 
lieved, that he would think himself much honoured 
by this proposal 

„It is not right, 44 replied Walpode, „that the 
daughter of a free town should unite herself to 
a Baron, who is accustomed, to regard the goods 
of citizens and merchants as a lawful prize. You 
have recently rebuilt the castle of Kheinfels, 
to levy custom upon the passengers and to 
impede the navigation and trade to and from the 
towns. If you think, that the town would enable 
you by the dowry of the bride, to make your 
stronghold still stronger and to fortify it better 
for the oppression of its inhabitants, you deceive 
yourself, for I shall never give my consent and 
still less now, as she is already bethrothed. 44 

The count grew pale with anger and with- 
drew towards the door, saying savagely: 

„ Yon have appreciated my castle well: yes, 
it shall be henceforth a stumbling-stone for you 
and bring you to ruin, proud citizens!" 

„Baron", exclaimed Walpode, „ don't forget, 
that Schwarz discovered powder, with which 
strongholds can be destroyed. 44 

„We shall see! 44 murmured Diether withdra- 



— 115 — 



wing, while Walpode retired into Ms arpartment. 
„Yes% said he, walking up and down, „the 
feudal power must be destroyed," It is the duty 
of the towns, to demolish the strongholds; we 
have the means, to do it ; we possess money and 
a sufficient number of brave men, who are not 
afraid of death, when the welfare of their fellow- 
citizens is endangered. Singly we are exposed 
to the attacks of a great number, who do us 
harm and we are unable to retaliate. The power 
of a single town is too weak to undertake any- 
thing against those barons and counts with hope 
of success. But the allied towns can oppose 
them in considerable forces, and prove their ruin. 
This confederation must be the aim of our en- 
deavours and I will do my utmost, to attain it 
and to secure the welfare of my native town." 

But in spite of all the pains, which the 
patrician took to persuade the towns to enter 
into a confederacy, his plan was baffled by the 
phlegma of those, who should have been the best 
promoters of his intensions. 

They thought the plan praiseworthy and pa- 
triotic; they did not reject it, but they had 
doubts about its execution. 

While the patrician thus took care of the 
welfare of his town, the lovers passed happy 
days. The young chamberlain dedicated his spare 
moments to the society of his love and by this 

8* 



— 116 — 



daily intercourse the ties of love and friendship 
became still stronger. The wedding-day was at 
last fixed and the whole town rejoiced in the 
hope of seeing something extraordinary and bril- 
liant; the young people were the happiest of 
all not on account of the brilliant festivity, but 
because they had attained the aim of their wishes. 

The happy day at last approached and the 
people, who were invited to the wedding, came 
from near and far, to take part in the festivities. 
The guests were of the richest and most esteemed 
families ; for the father of the happy couple wished 
to profit by this opportunity, to propose his plan 
to the representatives of the different towns, whom 
he had invited, with the intention to persuade them, 
to enter into a confederacy against the robbers. 

The report of the approaching wedding-fest- 
ivities at Mayence reached the castle ofDiether, 
who in fury paced his room, thinking of the 
satirical remarks, which would be made at his 
expense. Hatred boiled in his heart and he cursed 
himself and his power for not having yet found 
opportunity of inflicting a considerable damage 
to the town of Mayence and particularly to its 
noblest citizen. 

The hollow sound of a horn came from the 
tower and was re-echoed by the neigbouring 
mountains. „What is the matter P* cried the 
count through the window. 



- 117 — 



„A troop of armed people, who bear a flag!" 
replied the watchman. „To horse, yeomen! They 
pass just in time for me to appease my rage! 
To horse! 44 was cried in the court-yard, while 
the count shut the window with a sardonic smile. 
„Ah", murmured he, „if those travellers are 
wedding-guests ! They shall celebrate the wedding 
in the company of rats and mice and not with 
my enemies! 

As peaceful, as the castle had been before, 
as noisy was it now. The clinking of arms the 
tramp of horses and the boisterous laughter of 
the soldiers sounded from every side. 

When the knight was equipped, he descended 
with heayv steps into the yard, where he found 
his men armed for battle and after having mounted 
his steed and lowered his beaver, the troop rode 
with full speed over the bridge, towards the 
place, which the watchmann had indicated. 
. As the sentinel had announced, there were on 
the high-road a great number of citizens, to whom 
the peasants of the neighbourhood were joined, 
as it was necessary in those times, to travel in 
large numbers. 

Carriages, laden with goods followed the 
troop ; they were surrounded by some soldiers, 
to protect not only the merchandises, but also 
the women therein. The train consisted chiefly of 
patricians and merchants of Cologne, Bacharach 



— 118 — 



and St. G-oar, who resorted to Mayence, to assist 
at the wedding-festivity and according to the 
practise of those times took advantage of this 
opportunity, of exchanging their goods and rene- 
wing their business connexions. 

Among the women a young girl was especially 
to be noticed, whose delicate features and charming 
appearance showed she was of noble birth and 
being an intimate friend of the bride could not 
omit to be present at the wedding. The young 
people of the train surrounded her and endeavoured 
to obtain a smile or kind look. 

The citizens travelled without any fear of 
danger, believing to have a sufficient security in 
their passports. But they were more surprised 
than arlarmed, when they saw themselves sur- 
rounded by a troop of armed soldiers. The 
travellers approached the leader of the troop 
respektfully, who with lowered beaver and nacked 
sword had followed his men, and delivered him 
their passports. 

„ Before all! 44 cried he, without looking at the 
passports, „ wither are you going?* 

„To Mayence, where the wedding of Anne 
Walpode is celebrated ! We are invited to assist 
at the festivity. 44 

„Is that the true object of your journey? 44 
asked the knight, with an ironical smile. 

„ Yes, Sir knight! 44 replied a venerable old 



— 119 — 



man, who still managed his horse with the dex- 
terity and force of a youth. 

„Then I can't help you; you must celebrate 
the wedding in my castle ; I am in enmity with 
Walpode and his friends are my enemies," 

After this declaration the citizens prepared 
to fight, but those, who on the way had joined 
them and had nothing to risk but their lives, had 
run away at the approach of the soldiers and 
the others after a short resistance were led as 
prisoners into the castle. 

The travellers were expected at Mayence with 
impatience, but in vain; the news arrived, that 
they had been attacked by Diether of Katzen- 
ellenbogen out of revenge to Walpode and had 
been led as prisoners into his castle. 

This alarming news about her friends deeply 
affected the bride, while it was for the energetical 
father a hint from heaven, to profit by this event, 
for the execution of his plan. 

In an animated speech he showed the citizens 
the great want of security on the roads, by which 
trade was rendered very difficult, nay even im- 
possible and the welfare of the towns much 
injured; he represented the miserable fate of the 
unhappy prisoners, who notwithstanding their 
passports had been killed or imprisoned; finally 
he knew so well how to inflame his hearers with 



— 120 — 



rage, that they swore, not to rest, before they 
had crushed the power of the proud robbers!" 

This resolution was instantly formed and all, 
who were present, were invited to sign. The 
prisoners were not forgotten. Money was col- 
lected for them and the Prim Bishops help so- 
licited and on the third day an enthusiastic troop 
of soldiers marched to Eheinfels and succeeded 
in releasing them. 

After their return, the wedding was cele- 
brated, but it was more like a festivity after a 
battle, than a marriage-feast. 

The league, which was here concluded, proved, 
that Arnold ofWalpode had not exaggerated the 
forces of the confederate towns. 



The heads of stone. 



s one passes through the gate, called 
„Gauthor" inMayence one sees above 
the military guard-house the image of 
the Virgin Mary, which in former times 
must have been held in particular veneration, 
for every criminal, who, on his way to the place 
of execution, succeeded in escaping and kneeling 
before this sacred image, was set at liberty. 

Having passed through the gate and arrived 
at the outside, one can upon close examination 
see two stone-heads embedded in the wall to 
which the following tradition has reference. 

In the year 1462 the archiepiscopal see of 
Mayence was occupied by the wise and noble 
Diether of Isenburg. 

The elector and archbishop was detested by 
Pope Pius IL, because he opposed the papal 
power. The emperor hated him likewise and 
both tried to dethrone him in favour of Adolph 
of Nassau. 



A contest broke out between the two electors 
and as Mayence remained faithful to Diether- 
Adolpkus approached with an army and laid siege 
to the town. The citizens of Mayence fought 
heroically. Men and women, young and old took 
arms, and proved themselves courages in this 
deplorable warfare. But Adolph's soldiers were 
just as excellent and he enclosed the town so, 
that famine and misery soon reigned in it, 

At this time many fishermen and boatmen 
lived near the streets bordering on the Rhine, 
who formed a considerable company. They like 
all other companies took part in the war and, 
led by their chief, defended either the bulwarks 
or rowed in their frail boats along the Rhine to sur- 
prise the enemy- and suddenly attack him by water. 
Thej^ also distinguished themselves during the famine 
by their fishing, although continually attacked by the 
enemy, who had procured boats, to attack the town 
from the Rhine- side and also dispute the fishing. 

In a miserable cottage in the „ Fisherman- 
street" sat one evening-the boatman Walderer, 
with his head leaning on his hands. A faint 
light threw its dismal ray over the room and 
exhausted itself in a corner, where his sick wife 
lay groaning with hunger and pain on a bed of 
straw. He suddenly rose and with anger pictu- 
red in his emaciated features struck the table 
violently with his clenched fist and exclaimed: 



— 123 — 



„This fasting is unsupportable !" I can't endure 
this cursed life any longer! For two days and 
nights I have been defending the bulwarks of 
the Rhine and fishing with the rest and while 
the fish for the elector's table are saved, ours 
are taken by the enemy. What is our reward? 
We must hunger and fight for his lordship, who 
feasts and revels at our charge. To say the 
truth, I prefer to side with Adolphus, instead of 
with Diether, who deals only in fine words, which 
are of no account. 

„ Our father, which art in heaven % commenced 
his sick wife in a hollow voice „ hallowed be thy 
name, thy kingdome come. Thy will be done 
on earth, at it is in heaven. Give us this day 
our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive our trespassers, and lead us not 
into temptation, but deliver us from evil!" 

„Amen! u concluded a youthful voice and a 
lovely girl rose from her seat near her mother's 
pillow and approched her angry father: 

„Father", said she softly, „will you not take 
a little rest? You are weary and fatigued. I 
will bring you your supper and will then retire 
to my room." 

„Let me alone! Shall I eat ; while you fast 
and suffer? No, by all that's holy, I will not 
taste a bit of that, which you have spared from 
your mouth. u 



— m — 



„Dear father, we do not deprive ourselves of 
food so much!" 

„Hush, Gertrude! I feel no hunger but only 
rage! Don't you know, that my petition for 
assistance and help has been shamefully refused, 
and I am obliged to fight for a cowardly league 
of monks and priests ! * 

„The Lord will appear in a cloud, to separ- 
ate the just from the unjust, the faithful from 
the unfaithful!" 

r Hold your tongue wife! Is it just, to leave 
the poor wretch in need, and himself to live in 
luxury ? It is just to arm citizens against citizens ?" 

„You must obey your sovereign!" 

„Ha; ha! Does that appease our hunger? 
Must we not take care of ourselves first? No, 
by heavens ! If you had not detained me, I would 
have deserted long before this into the camp of 
our enemy Adolphus, for he is our sovereign, 
approved of by the pope and does not let his 
people starve and perish!" 

„God preserve us from him! He attacks our 
lawful sovereign!" 

„That you don't understand!" 

„ Father, do you forget, what father Clemens 
said!" 

To the deuce with your hypocrites and men- 
dicant friars ! They are never in want of words, 
he who confides in words, runs into misery. Once 



more I tell you, it is better, to desert to Adolphus 
than to remain here!* 4 

The maiden weeping turned towards the bed 
of straw, but her sick mother started up in her 
miserable clothing, which scarce covered her 
meager limbs and raised menacingly her flesh- 
less arms. 

„Husband!" exclaimed she, with a woeful 
accent „you think of treachery! I see it com- 
ing! Woe! Woe! Do you hear? It will be your 
ruin!" 

Saying this she sank upon her pillow. 

„Mother, dear mother ! e cried her girl, hasten- 
ing towards her. „Holy virgin, she is dead! u 

„Let her be dead; Death is preferable to 
famine and misery [* 

„Father, Father help!" 

But her father paid no attention to her, as 
at that moment a knock at the door called his 
attention to it, through which ; after he had 
opened it, three men entered. One of them a 
young fishermann, hastened to salute Gertrude, 
who sat weeping on her bed. 

The two others, wrapped in their cloacks 
remained at the door and looked at the boatman, 
who stared at one of them in surprise. 

Just then the sick wife, who had only fain- 
ted, uttered a sigh and murmured : „He ap- 
proaches l u 



With a shout of joy the daughter hastened 
towards her and the fisherman, who had kneeled 
down, seized her thin hands and pressed them 
is his. 

After having also affectionately pressed the 
hands of the girl , he turned towards the boat- 
man and his guests and said lowly: 

„When I was out to-day, to see, if I could 
fish something for you, Walderer; I met these 
two men, who promised me a reward, if I intro- 
duced them into the town!" 

„You know me, Walderer!" said one ot 
them. 

„Y6u are Heinz of Hechtsheini!" 

Quite right! I have a wife in the town, 
the daughter of Sternberger! This man wishes 
to find a place of concealment and if you 
are inclined to give it to him, you shall not 
repent it ! u 

„If you give me a lodging!" said the other, 
and promise secrecy, I will pay you well; take 
this purse: it may do you great service!" 

„Don*t take it, Walderer!" cried the wife. 

„Be silent!" replied the boatman. „You may 
take your lodging in Gertrude's room and I war- 
rant you, nobody shall hear of it!" 

Then he turned towards the young man saying : 
„Eeniain here, I will lead the strangers up stairs ; 



— 127 — 



but you women", added he with a gloomy air 
„be quiet and hold your tongues!' 4 

„Come!" said he to the strangers, taking the 
candle and guiding them up a narrow staircase 
to the appartment of his daughter. 

„John!" said the maid, weeping, when her 
father was gone and it grew dark in the room, 
„do you know the strangers?" 

„No ; but your father must know them ! 

„They come perhaps from the camp of our 
enemies ! " 

„I thought so, Gertrude, and have therefore 
conducted them hither ! a 

„If they would betray the town!" 

r/ Two men only? That's impossible, Gertrude ?" 

„Do you know that for certain?" 

Quite certainly and if we don't gain the 
money, another does!" 

„We must tell it to father Clemens! 44 inter- 
rupted the mother. 

„Not at all!" The stranger does not want to 
be recognized! 

„We commit perhaps a sin!" 

„ Where can the sin be in that? We are poor, 
Gertrude and miserable, We don't yet foresee 
the issue and it is not a sin, to gain money 
honestly!" 

„But if they were betrayers, unhappy youth! 



Can you. as a traitor, pretend to the hand of 
Gertrude ? a 

B Gertrude knows, how I love her. If the 
stranger is a traitor . her father Trill surely 
detect him." 

..The conversation -was interrupted by the 
return of the boatman, accompanied by Heinz. 

„ Gertrude, take this money and buy some- 
thing strengthening for your mother. John will 
accompany you. u 

.Go. go, Gertrude! I have something to say 
to your father!" 

The maid reluctantly took the monney and 
withdrew, weeping bitterly, John followed and 
tried to console her. 

Heinz after squeezing the boatman's hand and 
whispering something in his ear departed, also. 

„Walderer a , began his wife, after the stranger's 
departure, „I am dying, I feel the approach of 
death! Who knows? Perhaps I will leave this 
world to night, for my mind is clear and I can 
see the future. Do not let the stranger corrupt 
you. You are discontented: poverty and distress 
make you angry and you murmur against Provi- 
dence and its decrees. Do not bring us into in- 
famy, Walderer. I know, that poverty is pain- 
ful, but infamy is still more so. Do not think, 
that it will be better under Adolphus. Where 
God is, everthing is for the best and God is 



with us, if we fulfil the duties, which we have 
to perform. Promise me ; not to be persuaded by 
the stranger, for I forsee a great misfortune!" 

,,AVhat evil can come, Anne, from granting 
him a lodging?" 

„He thinks of treason within our walls." 

^Wonld to God the war would end through it." 

„It will, but to our disgrace!" 

„Adolphus is our lawful sovereign and it is 
already disgrace enough to fight against him." 

„Give to God, what is God's and to the king, 
what is the king's ! Diether is our sovereign and 
not he." 

.It is sorrowful enough, not to know, who 
our sovereign is." 

„ God has ordained it so and we must submit \ a 
„And starve!" 
„He can save us!" 

„ But he will not save us, for he abhors 
these unblessed warfares! No, I have enough 
of this government of Diether. Instead of re- 
ward, one gets nothing but contempt and vain 
promises!" 

„And your salvation?" 

„ I care not. If I must suffer here and starve 
to gain it." 

„Oh! sighed his wife, sinking down upon 
her pillow." Unhappy man! You run into your 
ruin!" 

9 



— 130 - 



„By no means, friend i 44 interrupted the stranger, 
who had entered by stealth and listened to the 
discourse. Be faithful to Adolphus, for he is our 
lawful prince, the citizens have recognized him 
as such and detest the other! 44 

The boatman viewed with astonishment the 
warlike mien of his guest, but his wife looked 
with disquietude at him. The guest approached 
the boatman, drew him into a corner and whispered 
something to him. 

The wife followed them anxiouly with her 
feverish and brilliant eyes, rose from her bed 
and approached them, dragging herself aloug on 
hands and feet. 

The boatman, gained by the pressing words 
of the stranger, cried: 

„I shall be yours! And confound Diether! 44 

His wife uttered a woeful cry and sunk down 
at his feet. When he stooped to raise her, she 
was dead. 

Tears filled his eyes, when he raised the 
corpse of his wife from the ground and laid it 
on the bed. The stranger looked with emotion 
at the skeleton-like form of the dead woman. 

„You owe that to your sovereign and his 
criminal treason against the emperor and the 
empire ! Instead of bread, he has given you pro- 
mises. Your wife died of hunger. You yourself 
are starving. 44 



— 131 — 



„ She was a good and honest wife!" 

„May she rest in pease! But now is no time 
to complain. When you are alone ; come up 
stairs into my room ; I have many things to tell 
you! 44 

Soon after his depature Gertrude and John 
returned; they wept with him and lamented her 
death. 

The following day father Clemens came, a 
dominican friar, whose words were pious and 
religious, but whose eyes were roguish and sens- 
ual. He consoled the boatman and his daughter. 
He blessed the corpse and interred it. 

„ Gertrude! 44 said Walderer; as soon as this 
sad ceremony was finished, „X have only you 
remaining in the world now and when I am 
absent, you have no one to protect you, but 
yourself. Be therefore prudent and heedful in 
all, what you do. Be discreet and before all 
keep silence respecting the stranger's presence, 
for that would uselessly harm us." 

Gertrude promised it. But she said to her- 
self: „I may however confide it to God, and 
father clemens represents God in the confes- 
sional. 44 

When the friar returned to the house of the 
boatman and Gertrude was alone, she confided to 
him her fears and sorrows regarding the hidden 
retreat of the stranger. 

9* 



The friar reflected upon the matter. He praised 
the girl, he stroked her rosy cheeks carresingly 
and then bade her, lead him into the stranger's 
room. When the stranger saw the monk entering, 
he quickly drew his sword. 

„ Softly, softly noble knight!" cried the monk, 
at the same time withdrawing cautiously towards 
the door. „I come, to offer you my services and 
I hope, that we will agree together!* 

The monk remained with the stranger a long 
time. Before his departure he stroked the cheeks 
of the girl once more, saying: 

„ Farewell, my dear and do not grieve too 
much over your mother's death. She is gone 
to heaven and for her soul's repose you may 
say five pater nosters in the chapel of the Holy 
Ghost," 

„But how can I come thither, reverend father ?* 
„Oh, if you like, I will take you to the 
chapel." 

J am afraid, that my father will disapprove 
of it," 

„Who wishes to pray, wants no permission 
for it. Besides, do, as you like and concerning 
the stranger, keep every thing secret !" 

He departed with a self-satisfied smile and 
returned after an hour with a monk's habit, 
which the stranger assumed and walked in this 
disguise through the town. 



— 133 - 



There was misery in the highest degree, to 
be seen. Halfstarved men and women were 
lying about in the streets ; the typhus raged and 
in the corners of the streets lay decomposed 
corpses, which infected the air with their putre- 
faction. Despair and dejection reigned every- 
where. The stranger examined all attentively 
and then went to the arithmetician Sternberger, 
with whom he remained a long time. At last 
he ; the monk, Heinz and Sternberger came out 
together and repaired to the mayor Dudo, who 
in the capacity of architect had the keys of the 
town gates. 

In the evening he returned to his retreat. 
The boatman had likewise just returned and re- 
proached his daughter most violently on account 
of her indiscretion, The stranger quieted him 
and led him into his apartment. 

„Walderer w , he began, „I have to day by 
the assistance of the monk, whom I bribed; 
walked through the town and have found, that 
all is ripe for the execution of our plan, which 
I will confide to you, if you are willing to 
serve me. u 

Saying this, he untied his money-belt and 
poured its contents upon the table. 

The boatman seized the treasure greedily, at 
the view of which all doubts vanished and he 
swore the oath of allegiance. 



— 134 — 



„ You shall have twice as much, if you are 
faithful. Now hear, what you have to do. To 
night you must lead me out of the town and 
to morrow morning be ready, to smuggle me, 
and some companions in and hide us in your 
house. 14 

„That is no easy matter, Sir!" 

„I know it and for that reason you shall 
have a still greater reward. I have friends in 
the town, but I cannot confide in them alone 
and I must have security for everything. You 
know the by-ways of the Rhine and can smuggle 
me out." 

„ Certainly, for I am acquainted with every 
nook and corner of the Rhine. John will lead 
you to the river by a canal. I will try to be 
intrusted with the guard of the Gau-gate, John 
and myself hope to be able to let you in!" 

„ Very well, get me away from here; John 
will guide and I shall return to morrow at the 
same hour." 

„I shall be ready, but I must see John before, 
who must assist me, as I cannot do everything 
alone!" 

„Is he safe?" 

„If he has given his word, he is sure and 
may be relied upon." 

a Try to get him to consent. He shall have 
a fine wedding-present." 



The boatman withdrew, but not without hav- 
ing put the money into his bag. John, seduced 
by the hope of marriage and the wedding-present, 
joined with the boatman and led the stranger by 
the same canal, which in later times served the 
Frenchmen as a passage for contraband-goods. 

Gertrude uttered a light sigh, when the 
stranger departed. She had been tormented by 
the fear, that he might be discovered or her 
father suspected by his mysterious presence. With 
his depature she imagined all danger removed 
and now for the first time she rejoiced at having 
the money, acquired as she thought honestly and 
so easily. 

However during the day she was roused from 
her joyful humour. The monk waited the mo- 
ment when her father and lover were not at 
home, for the purpose of making equivocal pro- 
position to the gir! ; who until then had confided 
in his honesty. 

When Gertrude perceived his intentions and 
turned away with aversion, he threatened to ruin 
her father, for lodging the treacherous stranger 
and being guilty of treason to the town. 

The maiden, full of alarm, fell upon her 
knees and implored him with tears not to do so. 
But the tears heightened her beauty still more ; 
the voluptuous monk stooped , to embrace and 
kiss her. As she resisted, a struggle ensued, 



— 136 — 



which inflamed the lust of the licentious fellow 
still more. Subdued by the fear of her father's 
ruin and still more by the violence of %he im- 
pertinent wretch, the unhappy girl would have 
been overcome, if John at this moment had not 
arrived just in time to rush furiously on the 
monk, A struggle ensued. The maid clung 
desperately to her lover and prevented him kil- 
ling the monk with his clasp-knife. 

The boatman just then arrived and separated 
the two. 

Father Clemens again resumed the air of the 
humble and devout monk, what he usually seemed 
to be through his hipocrisy. John briefly related 
what he had seen; his intention, to unmask the 
deceitful monk, was counteracted by Gertrude, 
who frightened by the threatening looks of the 
friar denied all. 

„Xt is evident, 44 said the boatman, that you 
did not come hither with good intentions and as 
we must render you harmless, you shall remain 
here to day as our prisoner. The reply of the 
monk was not listened to. Still terrified by the 
fisherman's knife he suffered himself to be locked 
up in a small room built in the town wall against 
which the house stood. The boatman then delibe- 
rated with John, Gertrude was sent to her room, 
with orders not to leave it. The rest of the day 
passed quietly. Walderer mounted guard that 



- 137 - 



evening* at the Rhine and John succeeded in 
leading the warriors, disguised as monks, into 
the town. Silently and hidden by the shadow 
of the narrow street, they entered the boatman's 
house and gathered with respectful silence 
around the stranger. 

„ Vassals", began the latter, „we at lenght 
have a footing in the treacherous town and I 
swear, not to leave it, before I have punished 
the citizens and destroyed the enemy's power. 
Swear, to fight valiantly and then we shall, 
with God's help and by the triumph of this day 
dissolve the allegiance of the arrogant citizens, 
who dare to fight against us." 

„We swear!" muttered they in a low tone 
at the same time, drawing their swords, the 
noise of which echoed hollowly through the mi- 
serable house. Walderer and John fell upon 
their knees. 

„My lord!" stammered the first, 

Adolphus turned towards them. „You shall 
have your reward. Walderer, lead us to the 
„G-author u , for there my troops can with greater 
ease enter and commence the attack!" 

It was a curious picture, to see the prince 
and his followers standing in their armour in 
the humble cottage while the boatman and John 
bowed humbly before them. 

The feeble, glimmering light of the candle 



reflected them upon the damp walls of the 
apartment. 

At lenght the bell tolled midnight and all 
marched silently towards the „Grauthor" winding 
their way through small, solitary streets. A gloom, 
which seemed to forebode evil, lay over the 
town and the Rhine. 

Gertrude, who had still remained in her room, 
perceived the strange stir in the house. She crept 
softly down stair and lissened, holding her breath. 
She was convinced, that her father and John 
had betrayed the town ; she fell upon her knees 
and invoked God's help. 

a When the men were gone, she hastened to 
the place, where the monk was shut up and 
said to him with a low voice and in haste: 

„Go with me and lead me to the elector and 
I will forgive you all." 

„Oh, lovely maid," cried he ironically: „Will 
you side with the elector ? a 

„For God's sake, come! Every moment of 
delay endangers the town. 44 

A diabolical glance flashed in the eyes of the 
monk. 

„ Where is your father? 44 asked he. 
„Don't ask! He is gone! Woe to us! he is 
gone! 44 

„Gone? But what is it you want? 44 



- 139 — 



„The enemy is in the town! Do you still 
hesitate ?" 

„Ah, pretty charmer, do you think, that I 
would run with you through the town and spread 
this news from house to house? Adolphus pro- 
mised me a rich abbey, it I kept it secret and 
you must do so likewise and pass this night in 
my company; resistance is useless. 

Actuated by lust he had already thrown his 
arms around the girl and tore the neckcloth 
from her bosom, while his lips approached hers. 
But the girl, to whom despair gave supernatural 
strenght, freed herself and flew like lightning 
from the house. 

„ Citizens! To arms! To arms! The enemy! 
The enemy !" 

In this manner she ran through the streets 
to the house of the master of the watermans 
company. She knocked at the door so violently, 
that she awakened all the neighbours. 

„What 's the matter?" asked the master. 

„To arms ! The enemy is in the town ! To arms ! u 

„God forbid!" cried the old man alarmed and 
bidding the girl to enter. 

With few words she told him, what had 
happened, trying as much as possible to spare 
her father and to make him believe her guilty 
of the treason. The chief guessed the truth, 
and prepared himself for defence 



Then lie quickly descended, awoke the boat- 
men und fishermen and ordered them to ring the 
alarm-bells. 

During this interval, the enemy had advanced 
to the „Gauthor", where the guard had partly 
by weariness and partly by despair fallen asleep. 
Only the gigantic Waibel with some fellow-drink- 
ers, who were hot with wine and sitting round 
a large cup, spoke in his terms against the 
enemy. Suddenly Adolphus with his soldiers 
entered, accompanied by the mayor Dudo and 
while they bound the astonished Waibel and his 
companions, the traitor opened the sallyport. 
The enemy had advanced from the other side of 
the Ehine through the „Gartenfeld" to the ^au- 
thor". There were 1600 horse and 3400 foot- 
soldiers under the command of Ludwig of Veldenz, 
Eberhard of Konigstein and Alwich Sulz. They 
stood before the wall and had not the courage 
to scale it, because they saw an owl, sitting on 
it, which they mistook in the darkness for a 
sentinel. Frightened by the noise, which the 
soldiers made, it flew away and then the army 
approached and penetrated into the town through 
the open gate. 

But here the stir was also general, the alarm- 
bells rang, the citizens had armed themselves 
and hurried through the streets, excited by rage 
and despair. 



— 141 — 



They all assembled. „ Where is the enemy? 44 
was asked everywhere. The women cried, the 
children skrieked and the confusion increased 
more and more. 

„To the „Gauthor!" To the „Gauthor! a The 
enemy has entered! On, on to the „Gauthor! u 
and the whole mob crowded to the Gaugate, 
where the enemy was already engaged in close 
combat with the inhabitants there. 

A horrible struggle ensued and the enemy 
could only advance step by step. Every house 
was a fortress. The women and girls partici- 
pated in the combat, throwing pieces of furniture 
and firebrands from the windows. The besiegers 
were obliged to kill them and to set fire to the 
houses, for the purpose of preventing them from 
fighting and to secure their conquest. Volumes 
of smoke and flames rose into the air, which 
resounded with the furious cries of the comba- 
tants and the tolling of the alarm-bells. 

Gertrude marched on at the head of a troop 
of citizens ; pierced by the enemy's lances she 
sunk down at the feet of her horrified father and 
the enemy continued the bloody fight over her 
corpse. 

The ruined and desolated town offered a piti- 
ful sight; the citizens appeared with anxiety at 
the enemy's summons. Terrible were the sentences 
of Adolphus. All men who had been found 



- 142 — 

armed were exiled and nothing was granted to 
them but life. 

Mayence was conquered and its pride humbled. 
But the traitors did not escape the punishment 
of their conscience and the justice of God was 
particularly visible in the fate of Walderer and 
John. 

The first became mad and the other threw 
himself with Gertrude's corpse into the Rhine. 

In remembrance of this treason two heads 
carved in stone were inserted in the town-wall ; 
and the small side-gate, by which the enemy 
had entered, was walled up. 



Ingelheim. 



elow Mayence, about a mile distant 
j from the Rhine, is situated „Nieder- 
; ingelheim" and a little farther off 
: „ Oberingelheim a . 
The space between these two villages must 
in former times have been covered with buil- 
dings and the whole named „ Ingelheim ft . 

At Ingelheim the emperor Charles the Great 
had a palace, which was his favourite residence. 
Some of its ruins still exist. 

This great monarch heard one day, that a 
hermit lived in the Rheingau, whose wisdom 
was praised and talked of by all 

He cured diseases of the mind as well, as 
of the body and all patients, who visited his cell, 
besides good advice received a present such as 
his means permitted him to give. 

The emperor, anxious to become acquainted 
with the hermit, despatched a messenger to him, 
but who to the greatest surprice of Charles 
brought back a message, that the hermit had 




— 144 — 



declared, it was not his duty, to visit the palaces 
of the great, but the cottages of the poor and 
if the emperor wished to make his acquaintance, 
he might come to him, for he had more con- 
veniences for travelling than himself. 

At first Charles frowned and grew angry, 
then ; repeating once more the hermit's reply, 
he could not help laughing and resolved to pay 
him a visit. He was curious to see the man 
who dared to defy him. 

The more he thought about it the more he 
wished to have an adventure and resolved to 
dress in plain armour and take another name. 

One night he mediated more than usual upon 
his plan and could not sleep; he arose in a 
strange excitement, put on common armour and 
said smilingly: 

„Now for it, for I see well, that I shall find 
no rest, till I have satisfied my curiosity/ 

Unobserved by anybody, he went to the stable, 
saddled a horse and left his palace without mee- 
ting a soul. 

Not far from the palace was a dark forest, 
into which he entered. It seemed to him, as if 
he heard the trot of a horse. He prepared his 
arms, looked about and perceived a horseman, 
who came towards him. 

When they came together, the rider who 



wore black armour cried to the emperor: „ Where 
do you come from? Where are you going? 44 

„I come from Ingelheim for an adventure! 44 
replied the emperor, anxious to know how this 
would end. 

„But why so late and alone? This is not 
the manner of travelling for knights who have 
the protection of the law. 44 

„Ah, ah! thaught Charles to himself, „I under- 
stand, that shows he is not unter the protection 
of the law! 44 and then said aloud: And if it 
were so, what objection have you to it! 44 

„None; I would even rejoice, for then we 
would be companions in misfortune. What is 
your name? 44 

„My name is Charles, and yours? 44 
„Elbegast!" 

„What? You are that Elbegast, the robber 
whom the emperor has sentenced? 44 

„ Softly, my friend, softly! You speak, as 
if you knew nothing about robbing, I was a poor 
devil, the priests robbed me of my inheritance; 
an audacious prelate had the impudence to ridi- 
cule me and to steal from under my nose a rich 
consignement By heavens, the emperor himself 
would not have liked it. I laid hand upon it 
and rescued a part of my goods. These false 
scoundrels who surround the emperor misinformed 

10 



— 146 — 



Mm of the case and he sentenced me ; but truly, 
if I were lucky enough to meet him here like 
you, I would tell him frankly, with what rascals 
and thieves he deals and I would unmask their 
fraud and roguery. 44 

„ Oh, friend Elbegast, you speak, like an 
orator. 44 

„I speak frankly and sincerely; but enough 
of this. Will you ride this night with me? I 
have tracked something and if it is, as I believe 
it to be, I shall break the necks of some rascals 
to night, even if the emperor would hang me 
for it, which would, by the way be unjust. 44 

„ Perhaps you w^ould wish him to be grateful 
to you and welcome you in a friendly manner 
on account of your skill in breaking necks. 44 

„He ought to do so, for if I break necks to 
night, I do it for his benefit. 44 

„That would be something. 44 

„Come along with me, for I want a courageous 
and resolute companion. 44 

„ Onwards, Elbegast, I shall follow; only 
promise me, not to draw the sword without my 
consent. 44 

„ Well, then, forward! 44 

„The emperor and the robber travelled together 
through the forest like two friends. Elbegast 
guided his horse by narrow paths to a fortress 



— 147 — 



hidden in the forest, made a sign to his companion 
to alight and follow him noiselessly. 

Passing through a shrubbery they arrived 
at a small door, which Elbegast opened with a 
false key and led his companion into a small 
and gloomy corridor, at the end of which was 
a dark apartment, which was only separated by 
an immense folding- door from a very brilliantly 
lighted one. The two adventurers approached 
the door cautiously and listened. 

They now heard a voice, speaking against 
the great power of the emperor, which soon 
would destroy the nobility, the knighthood and 
clergy, if they did not put a stop to it. 

„To the devil with you all!" murmured Charles, 
peeping through an aperture, which permitted 
him, to get a sight of the speaker. How great 
was his surprise, when he recognized the count 
Eggerich of Eggermonde, upon whom he had 
heaped benefits and who was even connected by 
marriage with him. 

„What would Charles give, if he could hear 
all this!" whispered Elbegast to the emperor. 

„Hush! Be silent!" said Charles, squeezing 
his hand gratefully. 

„Let us listen a little!" 

And they listened again, and heard how 
they had fixed upon a plan of assassinating 

10* 



the emperor, after which all who were present 
took the oath upon a crucifix, which the high 
prelate held. 

„Shall we not break the priest's neck?" 
whispered Elbegast angrily; „he is the same 
who stole my inheritance and who has brought 
dishonour upon me and the sentence of the em- 
peror. Does he not merit punishment ?" 

„Be quiet, friend; justice shall be done to 
you !" replied Charles whispering and they retired, 
as they had come. 44 

„Elbegast", began Charles, when they were 
outside, „you have rendered the emperor a ser- 
vice, which he will never forget ; come to morrow 
to his palace and tell him, what you have heard; 
I shall be present as witness." 

„Oh, that would be a nice thing", replied 
Elbegast smiling, „they would break my neck 
long before I had found an opportunity of speak- 
ing to the emperor." 

„Xs then the justice of the emperor so bad?" 
asked Charles. 

„Not his, but the justice of his vassals, who 
commit many injustices under his name. If they 
got information of my denunciation of them, they 
would cut my throat before the emperor had 
heard of my arrest." 

„Weli then, I will speak to the emperor 



— 149 — 



myself; tell me only, where I can meet you to 
morrow, 

„That I might be caught. Oh, Elbegast is 
too prudent for that! I was willing to break 
the rebel's skull, but you forbade it." 

„Elbegast, I summon you, in the emperor's 
name, to appear to morrow in the palace and 
accuse the rascals, whom we overheard." 

„And who are you who dare to summon me 
in the name of the emperor?" asked Elbegast 
alarmed. 

„Your enemy before but now your friend. It 
is the emperor himself, who speaks to you." 

At the same moment the moon appeared from 
behind the clouds, which had hidden it and 
shone full upon the manly form of the speaker, 
whose features were half serious and half 
friendly. 

„My emperor and master!" cried Elbegast 
leaping from his horse and trembling with joy 
and emotion. 

„ You rendered me a service, when I was your 
enemy. Now prove me your friendship and come 
to the palace, as I demanded! I will prepare 
everything for your reception." 

Saying this, he spurred his horse and returned 
to Ingelheim, leaving Elbegast with strange fee- 
lings moving his heart. 



— 150 — 



The sentence, which the emperor passed 
against the traitors, was terrible. Their punish- 
ment was not restricted to banishment and the 
seizure of their goods; they were publicly 
hanged. 

Quite the contrary with Elbegast, who had 
come in conformity with the emperor's summons ; 
honours and riches were heaped upon him and 
he remained the intimate friend of his once un- 
known companion in adventure. 

In later times the emperor remembered, that 
in the night, so eventful for him and Elbegast 
he had been on the way to the hermit's cell and 
he once more resolved to go thither. 

As he had learnt, how useful it is for a 
sovereign, from time to time to disguise himself 
and listen to the voices of his subjects, which 
he otherwise could not hear, he persuaded Elbe- 
gast to accompany him to the hermit's cell. 

Both dressed plainly mounted on horseback 
and not telling anybody the aim of their journey 
rode towards the hermitage. 

Not far off from there they met a charming 
girl, the daughter of a charcoal-burner, who was 
going to market with eggs and butter. She 
came towards them, merrily singing. 



The emperor was, as is well known very 
fond of the fair sex and he could not forbear 
to ask the young creature, whence she came and 
whither she was going and while she replied to 
his question, she looked up at him with such 
a childish, innocent air, that he tenderly stroked 
her cheeks. 

The girl blushed and unluckily this blushing- 
became her so well, that Charles bent down 
from his horse, seized her round the waist and 
tried to kiss her. 

The gild glided out of his arms, and a lean 
man with a noble and venerable figure, behind 
whom the little one had taken refuge, stepped 
forth and adressed the emperor: 

„ Friend, are you married and have you 
daughters?" 

„ Suppose, I had!* replied Charles humor- 
ously, 

„ Well, then don't forget, what you did to 
this girl and censure not others more severely, 
than yourself, if the same should happen to your 
daughters. 

„Elbegast", said Charles to his companion, 
who was laughing, „this attire is fatal to 
me. Fverytime, I put it on, I receive good 
lessons." 

„AndIknow, from experience," replied Elbe- 



gast "with a look of deep veneration, „ that these 
lessons fall upon a productive ground/ 

Charles returned to Ingelheiro. without having 
been recognized; but a rich present soon made 
known to the old man and daughter, vrho the 
two persons were whom they met on the road. 



Eginhard and Emma. 




mperor Charles had arranged it in his 
palace so that he could from a gallery 
of his bed-room overlook the court- 

1 yard and particularly all the entrances 



of the palace. Often when sleep forsook him, 
he arose, went to the gallery and watched, if 
he could discover secrets, from which he could 
derive pleasure or profit. 

One night when looking down from the gal- 
lery, he with pleasure perceived tracks of game, 
in the court-yard which was covered with snow, 
for he was verj r fond of hunting. Suddenly a 
window in the female's apartments was opened 
and a head appeared for a moment, but started 
back as if with horror and then closed it quickly. 
The emperor frowned angrily and wished to 
know the meaning of this strange apparition, 
when in the same moment another head peeped 
forth and withdrew slowly. Charles was not 
left long in doubt who those persons were. A 



— 154 — 



female figure alighted from the window, took a 
man upon her shoulders and carried him through 
the yard. The pale moon-light shone upon the 
strange pair and Charles recognized his daughter 
Emma, who carried her lover Eginhard, the 
private secretary and favourite of the emperor, 
in order that the track of his steps in the snow 
might not betray him. 

Passion was the first feeling that this romantic 
sight stirred in Charles' breast. If he had yielded 
to it, he would have punished both most severely 
and particularly Eginhard, even with death; but 
when the first excitement was over, he pitied 
them. Besides he could not forbear laughing at 
the cunningness of his daughter and remembered 
the hermit's admonition: „Don't judge more 
severely, if a like thing happened to your daugh- 
ters ! u In deep thought he walked to and fro 
in his apartment, reflecting upon what he should 
do. The next day he bade Eginhard appear 
before him. 

„ Eginhard!" began the emperor, „last night 
I had a strange thought and I leave it to your 
wisdom to decide the case." 

„My lord and emperor!" replied Eginhard, 
„I shall try to pronounce a sentence as just as 
possible." 

„ Well then", continued Charles, suppose some- 
body had heaped favours and benefits upon a 



young man; and as a return for this he seduced 
the daughter of his benefactor. What punishment 
would this treacherous fellow deserve? 

Eginhard stood pale and trembling before his 
terrible judge, in whose hands was life, honour 
and death. But it vexed him, to be called a 
seducer, for his love to Emma was pure and 
had taken deep root in his heart. He replied 
therefore proudly: 

„Death, if the father, cannot pardon his love!" 

The emperor looked firmly at him, then he 
became friendly and asked: 

„Then you love my daughter? Heigh? Pro- 
bably, because she is the emperor's daughter ? Is 
it not so? I know the sincerity of the love of 
you courtiers?" 

„I would love Emma, even if she were one 
of the lowest born!" 

„And Emma!" 

„She loves me as tenderly and sincerely as 
I love her!" 

„Come with me!" said Charles and betook 
himself to the apartment of his surprised and 
frightened daughter. 

„Girl," said he severely, „how is it, that you 
have love-intrigues behind my back and without 
my knowledge ? Do you know, that your seducer 
must die?" 

Emma fell trembling and in a flood of tears 



— 156 — 



upon her knees and implored her father for 
mercy, not for her, but for Eginhard, whom she 
esteemed more, than all other cavalliers. 

„ Well said Charles at last with emotion, 
„you love one another and you shall be united 
but not remain at Ingelheim any longer; I must 
never see you again. You, Emma, must forget, 
that the emperor is your father and you, Egin- 
hard, know, that your wife has ceased to be my 
daughter and has lost all claims to her dowry." 

Both kneeled down in deep emotion and 
begged his blessing. 

„You shall have it, children, for that is the 
only inheritance, which I give you: farewell !" 

He turned hastily back, to conceal his emotion. 
Eginhard and Emma departed from the palace 
and passed over the Ehine ; to lead far from 
the court a quiet and humble life. 

It happened in later times, that Charles lost 
his way in the Odenwald and came to a pretty 
cottage, which peeped charmingly through green 
trees and fragrant flowers. He entered the cot- 
tage to claim hospitality. A young wife with a 
lovely child upon her knees, who between strug- 
ling and laughing was trying to catch a plaything, 
which the mother always withdrew from its little 
hands, was sitting in a clean room with little 
but very tastefully arranged furniture. 

The emperor, whose arrival had not disturbed 



the pretty young mother, who was happy in play- 
ing with her child, stood lingering at the door, 
surprised at the view of such pure domestic 
happiness and a tear stole from his eye, when 
he recognized in this happy mother Emma, who 
now made aware of the emperor's presence by 
her child, who was staring at the stranger, had 
no sooner seen her father, than she rose hastily 
and pressing her child to her bosom approached 
him trembling and weeping. 

„ Where is Eginhard?" asked the emperor 
softly. 

He is tilling the ground for our maintenance ; u 
stammer d Emma, looking anxiously at her father, 
to see, if he was angry or not. But as she 
perceived, that his eyes were filled with tears, 
she could not restrain herself any longer and 
ran to him and fell at his feet, showing him 
her child. 

^Father", said she sobbing, „look at your 
grand-son and bless him, that he may become 
by this blessing as happy, as his parents." 

The emperor took the child tenderly in his 
arms, kissed it and pressed Emma to his bosom, 
saying: 

Truly, you have well understood the hap- 
piness of submission, I have reason to envy you ; 
but enough of tears, let us think of the reality, 
for I am fatigued and hungry." 



— 158 — 



Emma went to the kitchen and prepared the 
supper; she was well aquainted with cookery 
and knew how to prepare the venison so nicely, 
that Charles relished it only when cooked by 
his daughter. 

Eginhard soon came home: his face was sun- 
burnt, but his features expressive of contentment 
and happiness: he was astonished at the sight 
of the emperor and heard with gratitude, that 
he had blessed the child. 

The evening passed away merrily, the emperor 
was very contented and in the best humour. When 
his train arrived: he presented Eginhard to them 
as the lawful husband of his daughter and no- 
minated him instantly counsellor of state. 

The happy pair returned to Ingelheim in 
triumph and often visited the humble cottage, in 
which they had passed so many happy hours, to 
repose from the troubles and cares of the court. 



Adolf seek. 



e insert a tradition here, which, though 
not quite historical, yet gives a char- 
ming picture of the romantic middle- 
■ ; age, in which love and bravery formed 
a contrast so highly interesting. 

A war broke out between France and Germany, 
because the French kings, could not withstand 
meddling in the domestic affairs of the German 
empire. 

The bishop of Strasburg, who concluded a 
treacherous league with the French, challenged 
the emperor of Germany; Adolphus of Nassau 
entered Alsace with an army, to meet the enemy's 
troops and punish the traitors. 

Adolphus was an excellent commander. He 
fought valiantly in the first ranks of his army. 
But when his sharp eyes discovered a blunder 
in the enemy's lines he immediately exchanged 
his sword for the commander's staff and led 
his soldiers against the weak point. His ardour 




— 160 — 



in lighting and his -warlike spirit often led Mm 
beyond the hound of caution and advancing' too 
far he "was often wounded and carried from the 
held of battle by his friends. That was also the 
case in Alsace, where he was borne into a con- 
vent to have his wounds healed. He had for 
his nurse a young" novice, by name Imagina. a 
charming" maid, who performed this duty with 
an unwearied patience and the most generous 
resignation. 

When she was near him. the Duke felt an 
unutterable calm in his soul, his wounds seemed 
to heal as if by enchantment : but in his heart 
another wound opened, and one day. not being 
able to master his emotion, he seized her hand 
and confessed to her. that her divine features 
and noble disposition had inflamed his heart with 
ardent love for her. 

The young girl blushed and grew pale altern- 
ately at hearing the monarch's declaration. Tears 
started to her eyes and rolled down her cheeks 
like pearls, as his words re-echoed in her heart. 
She withdrew her hand gently anl retired, but 
when the hour arrived, at which she usually 
repaired to the patient, she did not return she 
had announced herself sick which was really 
true. 

Three days and three painful nights passed 
away, during which the emperor had not seen 



her and tormented by impatience and perhaps 
by repentance of his rash declaration, he tossed 
about in his bed and found no rest. The third 
night the door opened noiselessly and Imagina 
entered, pale and disturbed, but beautiful as he 
had never seen her before. 

„Fly, prince/ cried she quickly; „the bishop 
of Strasburg is about to take you prisoner and 
you hare not a moment to loose." 

The emperor rose hastily, called his servant, 
who slept in the adjoining room and sent him 
to the commander of the troops ; and he, accom- 
panied by the novice, walked through the corri- 
dors of the convent, which resounded hollowly, 
then through the church, till he arrived at a 
small door, the key of which the novice had 
procured. 

„ God and the holy Virgin be piaised", said 
she sighing, „that you are saved! Farewell, 
noble and generous prince! Do not forget me?" 

Saying so she was about to retire to the con- 
vent, but the emperor, who had been fascinated 
during his sickness by the image of the charming 
maid, begged her not to abandon him and in- 
stead of returning to her cell, to go with him 
as his wife. 

The lovely maid could not resist, but followed 
her lover. Wrapped in a cloack and protected 

11 



— 162 — 



by the night's darkness they arrived at the banks 
of tii- Rhine, which they crossed in a ferry. 

The emperor, rescued by the care of the 
young" novice from the craft of the priesthood, 
led his army agairst the enemy again, and after 
some successes consented to conclude peace with 
France. 

After the conclusion of peace he led hisloYely 
deliverer into his states ■:: Nassau and a: Eich- 
thai near Schvralbach built the castle of Adolphs- 
eck. vrhich he destined for her residence. 

He passed many happy days there at the side 
of his charming Imagina, But at lenght the 
political horizon became clouded by the intrigues 
of his own cousin, the archbishop of Mayence, 
who made an alliance with other princess of the 
realm and declared Albert of Austria co-emperor, 
by which Adolphus was compelled to combat for 
his crown. 

At Grollheim, nut far from the „Doiinersberg*, 
the two armies met: the combat was fierce and 
Adolphus. hurried away by his ardour in light- 
ing, forgot, his commander's duty, advanced too 
far and fell, pierced by a lance from an attack 
of cavalry. The army, bereft of its commander, 
became confused and fled. Albrecht triumphed 
and became emperor of Germany. Imagina had 
followed Adolphus at a distance and waited in 
the convent of Rosenthal for the issue of the 



battle and her husband's return. She had listened 
in the evening to the war-cry, resounding from 
afar and a sad, gloomy foreboding moved her 
heart, when she found that her consort did not 
return with the coming night. 

Pale and distracted she went to the field of 
battle, which was illumined by the silver rays of 
the moon. After she had sought a long time, 
she suddenly heard a noise in the bushes, and 
the Prince's faithful grey-hound ran to her: whi- 
ning and pulling at her dress, he made her follow 
him through hedges of thorn and thistles and 
over fields. The faithful animal led her to the 
place, where the corpse of the emperor laid; 
weeping she approached it and wiped off the 
blood which covered his temples and lips. Soldiers 
passing by, assisted her in transporting the killed 
emperor to the convent, where he was interred. 
Imagina took the veil at Rosenthal and soon 
followed her beloved Adolphus into another world. 

The castle of Adolphseek was destroyed by 
Albrecht, who however ordered a cross to be 
erected on the place, where the emperor died. 



IP 



EppensteiiL 



b a charming valley of the Taunus 
i mountains are to be seen the ruins of 
the castle of Eppenstein, whose lords 
■ are renowned in the history of the 
Rheingau and of all Germany*). 

We give the following legend of the castle's 
foundation. 

Knight Eppo, while one day eagerly pur- 
suing a wild boar, lost his way in the forest 
Vainly he sounded the buggle ; nobody replied but 
the echo which seemed to mock him. 

Discouraged and fatigued he alighted to re- 
pose ; but he soon started up filled with admiration 
and rapture at hearing a soft, charming melody 
out of the dephts of the forest; it was sung by 
a pure and expressive voice. The count Eppo 
having cut a passage through the thicket with 
his sword, arrived at the entrance of a grotto 




*) The nobles of Eppenstein were very rich and five of 
them occupied the archiepi?copal see of Mayence. 



— 165 — 



where he saw a maid with eyes uplifted to Lea- 
yen, singing a sacred melody. Eppo stopped 
with ecstasy at this view, but the young girl, 
who saw him, began to weep and implored his 
protection. She told him, that a giant had taken 
her and brought her hither, that he had fallen 
into a deep sleep, but not without having pre- 
viously tied her to a rock, lest she should es- 
cape hhm 

„ Well then, how shall I help you?" exclai- 
med Eppo impatient and anxious. 

„ Bet-urn to my castle and get the consecrated 
net, which I have kept there ; I will cover him 
with that net in the name of the holy Trinity 
and then he will not be able to move and be 
as weak as a child." 

The count did, as she had told him, conveyed 
the net to the grotto and hid himself to await 
the issue. When the giant had left the grotto 
and went to the other side of the mountain to 
cut a reed for a pipe, the maid took the net, 
ran to the summit of the mountain and laid the 
net down which she strewed with leaves, moss 
and fragrant herbs. 

The giant perceived with satisfaction her 
activity and when she had finished, she bade him 
lay down to try, if it was comfortable. The giant 
readily consented to her request and stretched 
himself upon it. The young woman threw the 



net instantly over Mia in the holy Trinity's name 
and ran away, frightened by the horrible how- 
ling of her prisoner. She wanted the knight to 
depart directly with her, but he bade her wait 
a little ; he ran towards the mountain and pushed 
the giant, who tried vainly to free himself, down 
the precipice, where cursing and howling he 
was dashed to pieces. 

The free'd maid became the knight's wife. 
The castle Eppenstein was built on the place, 
where they had first seen each other and the 
giant's bones are still shown there, to attest the 
truth of the tale. 



Falkenstein. 



11 the road to Homburg on the summit 
of a rocky mountain are to be seen 
the ruins of the castle of Falkenstein. 
A zigzag path leads up to the castle. 
The following is reported about the origin of 
this road. 

Once there must have lived a maid of wonder- 
ful beauty, whose head-strong and brutal father 
turned away all people, who climbed up the stony 
and steep path, to view this lovely creature. 

Among the visitors where frequently to be 
seen noblemen, who wished to court the beauty, 
but the coarse reception of the father after 
having climbed up the rugged path only to 
receive coldness from his daughter in spite of 
the enthusiastic homages which they paid to her, 
detained them from coming again. There was 
only Kuno of Sayn whom the difficulty of the 
way and the gloomy looks of the old knight did 
not withhold from climbing up the mountain, for 




- 16S - 



he was the only one who received the kind looks 
of the charming* maid. 

In the evening, when he stood with her on 
the terrace and admired the sunset, when he 
drew her attention to the beauties of the sur- 
rounding scenery and explained to her the situa- 
tion of his castle, their hands met tenderly and 
the young girl dit not withhold her rosy lips 
from the sweet kisses of her lover. 

He climbed up to the castle one day, but the 
way was bitter and tiresome work , he wiped 
away the hot perspiration from his fore-head, as 
the heat was suffocating and his heart was already 
inflamed by a fire, which made the blood flow 
quicker through his vains. He was resolved to 
make known to the father his intention of marry- 
ing the daughter, but when he thought of the 
knight's roughness, his heart failed him. 

After having reposed a little at the entrance 
of the castle, the knight resolutely ascended the 
winding staircase of the tower, behind whose 
window's curtains his mistress watched for his 
return with violent throbbing of the heart. 

The lord of Falkenstein had seen the toilsome 
journey of the climber, from a small bow- window 
of his apartment and asked: 

„For what purpose have you come hither? 44 

„I declare to youfrankly ; noble lord", replied 
the young man, looking passionately at the girl 



- 169 - 



who withdrew blushing, „that I love your charm- 
ing daughter and I am come to ask for the 
maid's hand." 

Falkenstein listened to the proposition, knit- 
ting his brows and walking up and down his 
room his hands folded behind him. After having 
reflected thus a long time, he stopped suddenly 
and said: „Sir knight, if I were come into a 
castle to woo the owner's daughter, I had praised 
the ruggedness of the way, instead of blaming 
it; but that's the world's course; the morals 
become worse from day to day and the young 
people now are not like those of former times! 
Oh! those times were golden; hm!" 

„But, Sir knight", said the young man, „I am 
conscious of no blunder ! I ascended the mountain 
cheerfully and would have done so, if the way 
had been twice as steep! 44 

„ Yes, yes! I know you cavaliers! 44 replied 
Falkenstein, nodding. „AYell, you shall have my 
daughter, upon the condition, that you have 
made by to morrow morning the way, leading 
up to the castle, practicable for horsemen and 
carriages ! 44 

„But that's impossible! 44 exclaimed the knight 
frightened. „ Hundreds of miners could not finish 
it in a month! 4 * 

„Perform it as well as you can! 44 

Dejected and without having again seen his 



— 170 - 



love, the young man left the castle and racked 
his brains in vain, reflecting how he could con- 
quer the old knight's obstinacy. Nothing occured 
to his thoughts and when he contemplated the 
rock, on which the castle stood, he shuddered, 
for he was persuaded, that he could never accom- 
plish the extravagant wish of the stubborn old 
man. He felt himself woefully dejected at the 
thought of being obliged to resign for ever the 
being he loved, and when he perceived her on 
the plattform, waving her handkerchief ; he with- 
drew hastily, saying to himself: „Xo, I will try 
my utmost, before I renounce her! 44 

He returned in full speed to his castle, sum- 
moned the surveyor of his mines, who had opened 
a mine for him, from which he got copper and 
silver and explained to him what he wished; the 
surveyor declared, shrugging his shoulders, that 
it was impossible for him, to make the road 
even if he employed all the miners, working day 
and night for months. 

The knight had already expected that ; he 
retired, uttering a deep sigh and strayed into 
the depths of the shadowy forest, to give vent 
to his grief. He walked through bushes and 
thorns ; sometimes he opened a passage for him- 
self with his sword, now he ran like a mad-man, 
then he stopped at once sighing and looking 
indifferently at the flowing off a rivulet, which 



— 171 — 

winded its way through moss and fragrant wood- 
herbs. But nothing could divert the knight , for 
as his mind was gloomy, all nature appeared 
gloomy to him. Night threw her shadows over 
the forest and the knight growing more melancholy 
bewailed the loss of his love with tears in his 
eyes and cursed the obstinacy of her father. 

Suddenly there stood before him an old man 
with a long white heard down to his belt, clad 
in a grey gown with large sleeves, 

„Yoang man." began he, -if you promise me. 
to order your miners, to dig before noon and not 
after, I will assist you and lead you into the 
arms of your bride." 

The young man stared at first with astonish- 
ment at the old man, but as he had often heard 
of sprights, haunting the mountains and that 
they were kind humane beings who liked to be 
charitable, especially, if people behaved nobly, 
replied : 

.If you can help me. I shall grant you every- 
thing, that you demand: for no price is too high, 
at wich I may attain my happiness. 

„Well then," said the little man, dissappear- 
ing, „ride to-morrow on horseback to Falken- 
stein, ask once more for the daughter's hand and 
you will obtain it. 

Hovering between hope and doubt he returned 
home and could not close his eyes the whole 



night. With sun rise the next day he ordered 
his horse to be saddled and rode in all haste to 
the castle, up the broad zigzag-path which had 
appeared there during the night. Having entered 
the castle to the merry sounds of the horn and 
shouts of joy; he cried: 

„Kise, lord of Falkenstein! Open your eyes. 
The way is finished and your daughter mine!" 

Pale and with tears of joy the daughter des- 
cended the winding- stairs and sunk on her lover's 
breast, The father followed, alarmed at the last 
night's events, by which his obstinacy had be- 
come completely broken. 

The knight, still confounded by that, which 
had happened, told his meeting with the spright 
and was informed, that in the night a terrible 
thunderstorm had raged over Falkenstein and 
that in the intervals the strokes of hatchets had 
been heard mingled with loud loughter ; the noise 
approached nearer and nearer; until it arrived 
at the entrance of the castle, when it suddenly 
ceased. 

Seized by terror, they had risen and passed 
the night in prayers. With day-break they had 
laid themselves down and slumbered, when sud- 
denly roused by the sounds of his horn and the 
trampling of his horse they awoke. The old man 
gave his son-in-law the advice never to be as 
obstinate, as he had been himself. 



- 173 - 



The tradition does not tell us, if the young 
husband followed the advice. But the wonderful 
road is still to be seen and when reflect upon 
the exertion, which was necessary to finish it, 
it does not seem improbable, that the mountain- 
sprites assisted in the work. 



Mouse-tower. 



ike a silver-thread flows the Ehine ah- 
! ove Bingen and on its vine-covered 
I banks towns, villages and country - 
] seats are scattered about, which form 
a most picturesque and beautiful sight. But be- 
low Bingen it rushes furiously on through the 
hills and dashes against the rocks, that stand in 
its way, as if they wished to stop its headlong 
speed. At the entrance of this beautiful valley, 
just between the smooth-quiet, and the strong 
and foaming part of the river stands on a small 
island a tower called the ^Mouse-tower". The 
following tradition explains the origin of its 
name. 

Hatto, archbishop of Mayence is said to have 
kept a well-filled barn locked up, during a famine 
and by his good living and plenty had excited 
the starving people to revolt. The prelate gave 
orders, to seize the rebels, to shut them up in a 
barn and then to set fire to it. Not content with 
this diabolical order he added to it insult, by 




comparing the lamentations of the poor sufferers 
to the squeaking of mice. 

In the night, which followed this atrocious 
deed, mice penetrated into the archbishop's palace, 
and were about to tear the flesh from off his 
bones. Hatto fled, crossed the Rhine and sus- 
pended his bed in the tower, but in vain: the 
mice followed him and made him die a lingering 
and horrible death. 

It is strange, that history represents Hatto in 
a quite different light to what tradition does. 
The first says, that he was a wise and learned, 
but also an ambitious prelate, dining, enter- 
prizing and proud, but not very scrupulous in 
the choice of the means to arrive at his aim; 
he had many enemies as well among the nobility, 
as among the people. This hatred most likely 
gave rise to the horrible tradition. 

The Tradition of Bishop Hatto. 

The summer and autumn had been so wet, 
That in winter the corn was growing yet, 
T was a piteous sight to see all around 
The grain lie rotting on the ground. 

Every day the starving poor 
Crowded around Bishop Hatto's door, 
For he had a plentiful last year's store, 
And all the neighbourhood could tell, 
His granaries were furnish'd well. 



At last Bishop Hatto appointed a day 

To quiet the poor without delay. 

He bade them to his great barn repair, 

And they should have food for the winter ther 

Eejoiced at such tidings good to hear, 
The poor folk iloek'd from far and near; 
The great barn was full as it could hold 
Of women and children, young and old. 

Then when he saw it could hold no more, 
Bishop Hatto he made fast the door; 
And while for mercy on Christ they call, 
Set fire to the barn, and burnt them all. 

„I 'faith 'tis an excellent bonfire !" quoth he, 
„And the country is greatly obliged to me, 
For ridding it. in these times forlorn, 
Of rats that only consumse the corn. 

So then to his palace returned he 

And he sat down to supper merrily, 

And he slept that night like an innocent man, 

But Bishop Hatto ne'er slept again. 

In the morning as he enter'd the hall 
Where his picture hung against the wail 
A sweat like death all o'er him came. 
For the rats had eaten it out of the frame. 

As he look'd there came a man from his farm 
He had a countenance white with alarm. 
„Mylord, I open'd your granaries this morn, 
And the rats had eaten all your corn." 



— 177 — 



Another came running presently, 
And he was pale as pale could be; 
„Fly! my lord bishop, fly," quoth he, 
„Ten thousand rats are coming this way, 
The Lord forgive you for yesterday!" 

„I'll go to my tow'r on the Rhine", replied he 
„ ,r Tis the safest place in Germany; 
The walls are high and the shores are steep, 
And the stream is strong and the water deep." 

Bishop Hatto fearfully hasten'd away, 
And he crossed the Ehine without delay 
And reach'd his tower, and barr'd with care 
All the windows, door and loop holes there. 

He laid him down, and closed his eyes; — 

But soon a scream made him arise, 

He started, and saw two eyes of flame 

On his pil'ow, from whence the screaming came. 

He listen 1 d and look'd; it was only the cat; 
But the bishop he grew more fearful for that, 
For she sat screaming, mad with fear 
At the army of rats, that were drawing near. 

For they have swam o'er the river so deep, 
And they have climVd the shores so steep. 
And now by thousands up they crawl 
To the holes and windows in the wall. 

Down on his knees the bishop fell, 

And faster and faster his beads did tell, 

As louder and louder, drawing near, 

The saw of their teeth without he could hear. 

12 



- 178 — 



And in at the windows, and in at the door 
And through the walls by thousands they pour, 
And down through the ceiling and up through the floor, 
From the right and the left, from behind and before 
From within and without, from above and below. 

And ali at once to the bishop they go, 

They have whetted their teeth against the stones, 

And now they pick the bishop's bones; 

They gnaw'd the flesh from every limb, 

For they were sent to judgment on him. — 

Another event shows us the Mouse-tower not 
in connexion with atrocious crimes, but as the 
scene of noble deeds and patriotic enthusiasm. 

In the thirty years-war the Swedes took pos- 
session of all the fortresses and castles along the 
Shine. Ehrenfels had been taken and now the 
Swedes laid siege to Hatto's tower, to become 
by its conquest masters of the passage of the 
Shine, But it was no easy task, to gain it, for 
it was defended by the knights of the Teutonic 
order, who, in spite of the enemy's superiority, 
accepted the combat. 

They fought bravely, but overpowered by 
the eneiny they all found a glorious death. 

A single knight still resisted in spite of his 
numerous wounds. His heroic valour excited the 



— 179 — 



admiration of the enemy and their commander 
summoned him to surrender. 

^Neither mercy for you, nor for me; knights 
can die, but not surrender. 

Sajing this the valiant knight seized the 
astonished enemies and plunged into the river. 
Vainly the Swedes sought for his corpse and 
especially for the flag, bur theEhine had buried 
them both. 



12 



Riidesheim. 



night Broemser, inspired by the ser- 
mons of St. Bernhard, who preached at 
Spire, took the cross, like others, who 
were present and departed for Pales- 
tine, leaving" his little daughter as an orphan at 
Riideshein). 

Knight Broemser was a brave warrior, who 
had seen many bloody victories and before whose 
sword the Saracens fled with terror. Valiant in 
war, but jovial over the cup, firm in his resolutions, 
neither prayers, nor entreaties could detain him 
from the execution of them. 

As a proof of his heroic valour, it is told, 
that, when he was in distant countries, he killed 
a dragon, which did much harm to the crusaders, 
and many other glorious deeds are reported of 
him, which we need not repeat, as the dragon's 
death is a sufficient proof of his straight and 
courage. 

One day the knight was surprised by the 




Saracens, who surrounded him and without hope 
of deliverance or succour from his countrymen 
he resolved, to yield his life, only at a high price. 
He opened a passage for himself through the 
surrounding infidels, who fell like corn under 
the sithe of the reaper. Fatigued and exhausted 
by his wounds, he sunk down and was bound, 
hand and foot placed on a swift horse and hur- 
riedly placed in safety. 

He wore for many years the chains of slav- 
ery and was obliged to perform the meanest 
tasks ; at length he made a vow to consecrate 
his daughter to God, and happening to break 
his chains, he killed his overseer and fled. His 
comrades received him joyfully, but the knight 
thought of his promise, and prepared to return 
to his country. 

He was received with joy and affection at 
Budesheim, especially by his beautiful and 
blooming daughter; but she was struck with 
dismay and terror, when her father informed 
her of his vow and of his firm resolution, to 
accomplish it. 

In vain the girl implored for mercy declaring 
that she had been betrothed during his absence. 
The knight was inexorable and threatened her 
with his malediction. Driven almost to madness 
by the thought that her father had cursed her, 



she became desperate and hidden by the shad- 
ows of night, trew herself into the Rhine. 

Some fishermen found her corpse the next 
morning and carried it to the castle ; the knight 
was in the greatest despair at this sight and 
accused himself of his daughter's murder. 

When his grief subsided he promised as an 
atonement for his crime, to build a church. But 
by the dissipations, in which he plunged to 
stifle his grief and pain, he forgot his promise, 
until his daughter appeared to him, one night 
looking at him with a countenance full of tender 
and melancholy sweetness; the chains, which 
he had born in the East, fell at this moment 
with a crash on the floor and roused him from 
his sleep. 

The sun began to colour the sky, when 
discontented with himself and with a throbbing 
heart he paced the battlements of his castle, 
to cool his excitement in the fresh morning- 
breeze. 

Suddenly he heard loud cries; some peasants 
approached him with an image of the holy Virgin; 
they said, that when they wer ploughing, the 
oxen had drawn it from the earth and the image 
called for help. 

This seemed to the knight an admonition from 
heaven and he immediately ordered a chapel to 
be built and the image to be nut in it. Beside 



the chapel some years later was built the convent, 
named: „Xotli Grottes*" (Gods help.) 

The dragon's teeth and the chains which the 
knight bore are still preserved in the castle of 
Johamiisberg, property of the prince of Metternich, 
which he got in 1816 as a fee from the Emperor 
Francis of Austria. 



Ehrenfels. 



ta sat at the window of her chamber 
. looking' towards Eeichenstein, which 
was surrounded by huge, dark rocks. 
■ the outlines of which were sketched 
on the darkblue sky. — She sat with folded 
hands and wept bitterly, because her father had 
insulted Eeichenstein, whom she loved, and called 
him a robber, whom the emperor had out-lawed. 

She retired to her room excusing herself to 
her father under the plea of indisposition. She 
entered her chamber with tottering steps, sat 
down at a window and watched the waves of 
the Ehine, illuminated by the silver-rays of the 
moon. Suddenly she trembled with anguish and 
terror and could scarcely breathe, as she saw 
a mass of flames and smoke rise to the sky just 
above the castle of Eeichenstein and soon flames 
broke from the windows and dark figures could 
be seen as if fighting desperately. 




- 185 — 



„Holy Virgin, protect him!" exclaimed she 
„It is impossible! My eyes deceive me! He a 
robber and his castle in flames! 

She shaded her eyes with both hands, and 
looked again ; Eeichenstein was burning and the 
emperors sentence was executed. 

Pale and tearless Uta recognised in the 
destruction of Eeichenstein the wreck of her 
happines; she saw a small boat cross the river 
and approach Ehrenfels. „Uta! Uta!" sounded 
a voice through the stillness of the night, „Oh 
come, that I may see you once more and for 
the last time!" 

It was the voice of her lover, who implored 
her to come to him ; overpowered by her feeling 
she hastened down stairs and drew herself in 
his arms. 

,J am an outlaw and fugitive, Uta. My castle 
is destroyed and I was scarcely able to save my 
. life and some jewels, to prevent me from star- 
ving in distant lands. Farewell, I leave you for 
ever and even if the world curses me, you will 
shed some tears of pity and love for me !" 

„Oh, my beloved!" said she sobbing and 
pressing him tenderly to her bosom. „It would 
have been better, that we had died in our happy 
days, than to be obliged, to separate now, under 
such circumstances!" 

„Uta, I can't live without you; fly with me; 



I can't leave you. charming maid. I love you 
too much! 

.1 cannot abandon my father. I will take 
the veil as soon as you are gone and devote to 
you all my thoughts. u 

j,No never:" cried he, then throwing his arm 
around her and stepping some paces hack, he 
plunged into the Ehine. 

Not a ery was heard: only the vraves caused 
by the splash and then the river flowed tran- 
quilly on. 

The next day the lovers' corpses were found 
in close embrace 



Rhe in stein. 



[hose, who have made the tour of the 
Rhine, will doubtless know this stately 
i castle, which was restored by the king 
1 of Prussia and rebuilt in the style of 
the middle age. 

Below Eheinstein near Trechtlingshausen is 
situaded the old fortress of Reichenstein and 
above Eheinstein, on the right shore, is to be 
seen Ehrenfels. Between Eheinstein and Reichen- 
stein are to be found the ruins of the church of 
St. Clemens, owergrown with weeds and ivy and 
seeming to mourn for its passed grandeur. 

There lived once in the castle of Eheinstein 
a charming girl under the severe guardianship 
of her father ; who since his wife's death led a 
contemplative, melancholy life. His charming 
little daughter could alone bring a smile on his 
face, for she was the only being, whom he loved. 

Knight Seyfried was notwithstanding his 
love of solitude not of a truly affectionate char- 
acter. He had many frailties and especially that 




— 188 — 



of thinking the happiness of his daughter could 
be founded on external splendour and show. 
The maid loved the knight of Eeichenstein, a 
brave, fine fellow, but poor and possessing noth- 
ing besides his castle, his sword and merry 
humour. The knight Kurt of Ehrenfels, a mali- 
cious deceitful old bachelor , was his nearest 
relation. Kuno opened his heart to him and 
begged him to speak to the father and in his 
name ask for the daughter's hand, declaring that 
he could not live without her. 

„Hm!" said Kurt, „it is madness, Cuno, to 
think of matrimony. Do like me and you will 
be much more comfortable V' 

„It is imposible", replied Cuno, „the girl 
has wound herself around my heart and sooner 
would I renounce all hopes of heaven, than 
leave her." 

„Well! tt murmured Kurt , „if it must be so, 
I vail content myself. Women are caught most 
easily by presents; so I hope, you have some- 
thing for her, that will render my words more 
impressive. 44 

„ Cousin, do you wish to drive me mad? Do 
you think, that Gerda is as mean and pitiless, 
as the women of your acquaintance? But now 
I remember something, which you may offer her 
as my present. In my stable I have a beautiful 
horse, which I myself received as a gift, but 



that makes no difference. It is better with her, 
than with me!" 

Charmed by this thought he ordered the horse 
to be led forth and accompanied the clumsy Kurt 
to the foot of castle Eheinstein. 

Scarce had Kurt seen the lovely girl than 
his heart was inflamed by passionate love and 
he resolved instead of wooing for Cuno, to have 
her for himself. He spoke to Seyfried, informed 
him his cousin's wish and bade him take his 
choise between booth. 

The weak old knight, allured by Kurt's for- 
tune gave him not only the preference, but he 
resolved, to baffle every attempt of Cuno, even 
by force of arms. The sly, hipocritical Kurt 
told Cuno, that Gerda loved him sincerely and 
that she had entreated her father, to grant their 
union, but the old knight had rebuffed the mar- 
riage-proposal and therefore every attempt of 
getting his consent was in vain. 

The young man hearing this news strode in 
despair through his castle. He thought of the 
most adventurous plans for the possession of his 
beloved and he could not find a moment of rest; 
after having several times tried in vain to speak 
to the father and having been driven from Rhein- 
stein, a deep discouragement seized him and he 
abandoned all hope. Now Kurt thought the time 



— 190 — 



favourable, to gain favour with the young girl; 
lie paid her great attentions, but she, fright- 
ened and disgusted, shunned him, for she had 
put all her confidence in Cuno. She revealed 
to her father her love for Cuuo and implored 
him to give his consent, Seyfried would hear 
nothing about it and at once fixed the day of 
her marriage with Kurt, 

The night following this determination was 
for Gercla one of the most painful and afflicting. 
She wept and lamented all the night long, till 
she at last, weary and exhausted fell asleep. 
She dreamed that Cuno approached her bed and 
imprinted a fervent kiss on her lips, saying: 

„Why, will you not fly and take refuge with 
me?" 

Grerda awoke doubting, whether it was illusion 
or reality. At this moment she heard a soft 
neighing from the stable, which she took as a 
good omen. 

„Yes," exclaimed she resolutely, „I will pre- 
pare for the wedding and his horse instead of 
carrying me into the castle of him I hate, shall 
bear me to the arms of my beloved Cuno!" 

Kurt heard with rapture that the lord of 
Eheinstein had granted his suit ; he mocked the 
wrath of his cousin and gave the necessary 
orders for a splendid and brilliant weddiug. 



— 191 — 



The day at last arrived and Gerda chosed the 
church of St. Clemens for the ceremony of ex- 
changing the rings: the procession was obliged 
to return to Eheinstein and from there to move 
towards Ehrenfels. But Gerda had before pru- 
dently given notice of her plan to her lover, who 
waited with throbbing heart for the day ; which 
should render him tor ever happy. 

The bells were ringing solemnly! the long 
and brilliant procession moved towards the chapel. 
The lovely bride was richly adorned with pearls 
and precious stones ; she discerned lighted candles 
on the altar, when on a sudden Gerda spurred 
the horse, which her lover had sent her as a 
present and galloped toward Eeichenstein. 

Kurt was the first, who recovered from his 
surprise. He pursued her with curses and im- 
precations; followed by the father and some- 
knights curious to see the issue of this strange 
affair. 

Cuno, who was on the look-out, seeing with 
an inexpressible joy the bride approaching his 
castle in full speed, oppened the gate and having 
helped her in alighting from the horse, embraced 
her tenderly and imprinted passionate kisses on 
her lips, then barred the gate closely. Soon 
after when the father came and demanded en- 
trance, the happy young bridegroom refused it 
and threatened to pursue them with arms, if 



— 192 — 



they dared to trouble liiin further. The proces- 
sion, which followed slowly, found the corpse of 
Kurt on the way who had fallen from his horse. 
Cuno was his la wful heir and the wedding, instead 
of at Ehrenfels, was celebrated in the castle of 
Eeichenstein, to the great satisfaction of all and 
even old Seyfried. 




St Clemens church. 



n the former tradition the church ot 
St. Clemens was mentioned, the foun- 
dation of which may not be without 
interest. 

A noble young lady in „Sauerthal tt had, at 
the death of her parents, become heiress of a 
considerable fortune, which together with her 
fascinating beauty allured a great many admirers 
and wooers, 

At this time there lived in the castle of Rhein- 
stein a brave and resolute fellow, whose valour 
was surpassed only by his excessive impudence, 
with which he derided the laws. He saw one 
day the lovely Ina and her beauty as well as 
her fortune made him resolve to win her. He 
was not the man for flirting and uttering tender 
sighs. But firmly resolved, to attain his end, he 
sent a messenger to her with a marriage-proposal. 
After having received her refusal he assembled 
his men and marched with them to the „Sauerthal% 

13 




to obtain by force, what the young lacly would 
not grant willingly. 

It was a dark and gloomy night, the sky 
was covered with clouds and the wind moaned 
through the mountains, while in the valley reigned 
a deep silence, as if with fear and anxious ex- 
pectation of the coming storm. Silently the armed 
party left the Eheinstein and wound their way 
through the forest, so as to attain their aim more 
surely. The horse's hoofs sounded hollowly on 
the damp ground and not a sound was heard but 
the noise of the rider's armour. 

At lenght they arrived at the lady's castle; 
the knight made a sign, at which the most part 
of his troop stopped and alighted; they gently 
approached the gate and two messengers were 
despatched; with the order to demand admission 
and immediately to kill the man, who opened 
the gate. 

The wanderers were willingly admitted. But 
no sooner had the keeper opened, than he fell 
pierced through with a sword. The war-note of 
the knight was blown and his troop entered the 
castle without resistance. 

The war-cry re-echoed wildly through the 
deserted corridors and roused the surprised sol- 
diers from their sleep. The commander sprang 
to arms and led his men against the intruders. 
But he was at last obliged to retire, overpowered 



— 195 — 



by the number. In the mean while the knight 
had carried the fainting girl out of the castle 
and putting her on his horse fled at full gallop, 
protected by his soldiers. 

They rode on towards the bank of the Ehine 
where a large boat awaited them, which they 
entered triumphantly. The boatmen seized the 
oars and began rowing to the opposite shore. 

But a thunder-storm seemed to have reserved 
its violence for this moment. The wind howled 
through the oaks and firs of the mountains, threw 
itself furiously on the boat and pushed it out 
on the foaming waves. The most courageous 
were struck with fear and grew pale with terror; 
they tried to gain the land by rowing with every 
exertion. But their efforts w^ere in vain; the 
boat, hurled along by the wind, swiftly appro- 
ached the rocks in the middle of the stream. 

In this desperate moment the maid, who had 
till now been stupiefied, recovered her senses and 
understood with terror her dangerous situation; 
she knelt down to pray and vowed to build a 
chapel to the honour of St. Clemens, if he would 
deliver her from the lobber's hand and rescue 
her from the present danger. 

As soon as she had finished this prayer, a 
violent shock threw her on the ground and at 
the same time a crash was heard, mingled with 
the cries of despair. Ina closed her eyes, that 

13* 



- 196 - 



she might not see the waves, which rose foaming 
and roaring about her, but with surprise she saw, 
that, instead of sinking, she was lifted up mir- 
aculously and carried through the air. 

When Ina had god used to the splendour, 
which dazzled her eyes, she perceived herself in 
the Saint's arms, who looked tenderly at her and 
laid her softly down on the shore. 

The tunder-storm had ceased and the moon 
re-appeared through the dark clouds. 

Arrived at the shore and seeing herself in 
security, the maid fell upon her knees, to return 
thanks to the Saint, but he had dissappeared. It 
was the break of day, when her servants, who 
had soon after her disappearance left the castle 
to pursue the robbers, found their lady unhurt 
and safe in a fisherman's cottage. 

The knight with his men had perished in the 
Rhine and their corpses were found the next day 
on the shore. 

Ina, faithful to her vow, built the church of 
St. Clemens and when it was finished, she appeared 
before the altar as the bride of a valiant and 
noble young knight. 

The church, as we have before mentioned, is 
now a ruin. 




Falkenburg. 



iba, the lovely daugther of the castellan 
of the imperial fortress of Falkenburg, 
lived there in peacable and modest 
retirement with her mother. 
The father had died a long- while ago and 
had left to his daughter, besides an education 
adapted to those times, a considerable fortune, 
which was still increased by the prudent eco- 
nomy and saving of her mother. 

A great number of admirers, allured by the 
loveliness and virtues of this charming and modest 
maid, sought her hand. But Liba refused them 
all, for her heart was already engaged, she loved 
a young knight of the neighbourhood, who pro- 
mised to marry her as soon, as the „pfalsgrave" 
had invested him with his fief. 

One fine May-day, when the fields and the 
meadows were adorned with fresh verdure, the 
vines promised a rich vintage and the buds and 
flowers bloomed so sweetly, while the birds chir- 




— 19S — 



ped and a pair of turtle-doves, the favourites 
of Liba, were billing and cooing. Liba sat at 
her window, to inhale the fresh fragrant air of 
spring and looked from the balcony at the river, 
on which dark ships sailed carrying the pro- 
ductions of distant countries to flourishing towns. 
^Mother", exclaimed Liba, „how happy I would 
be, if Guntram returned to day! 44 

Scarce had she uttered these words, when 
she suddenly rose from her seat, with a loud 
cry of joy; she descended into the court-yard 
and hastened towards the gate. 

The mother looked inquiringly after her daugh- 
ter and went instantly to the window, where 
Liba had been sitting. 

The young girl was already some hundred 
paces distant from the castle, offering her beau- 
tiful rosy lips to a young knight, who had just 
alighted from his horse. 

The happy pair walked arm in arm or rather 
ran up the hill on which the castle stood and 
saluted the mother tenderly, who seemed to grow 
young again, at seeing the happiness of her child. 

After Guntram had admired the beauty of 
the small garden cultivated by Liba, he sat down 
at her side, to give an account of all, that had 
occured and informed her, that he was on the 
way to the „pfalsgrave" , to obtain his grant- 
He looked tenderly at his beloved and she softly 



— 199 - 



pressed his hand, when he spoke of his hopes 
and of the joy of soon having a home and fire- 
side of his own. 

„Farewell now", he said s the time presses; 
I shall soon return and then remain for ever 
with you: and you, Liba", continued he smiling, 
aprepare your nuptial dress, for I will wait no 
longer; I am burning with desire to see you in 
my castle, which seems to me so sad and gloomy 
without you. Don't detain me; cried he, when 
she begged him to stay longer „what has to be 
done, had better be done soon!" He pressed 
his betrothed once more to his bosom, kissed the 
tears from her eyes and descended into the 
court-yard, where the horse, waiting impatiently 
for its rider, neighed joyously at the sight of him. 

G-untram was a noble young man. His figure 
was pleasing and manly: his conversation and 
manners gained the pfalsgrave's favour and as 
the latter wanted an ambassador for Burgundy, 
he chose Guntram for this honourable office. 
The young man was obliged to accept it, but 
with regret. He sent a messenger to Liba, to 
announce to her his appointment and begged her 
to excuse his absence. 

Liba received the messenger with aching 
heart and reproached herself, for not being able 
to quiet the inexpressible fear she felt ; she ima- 
gined a dark cloud had covered the sun of her 



happiness and she saw in the future a misfortune, 
of which she could not give an exact account 
to herself. 

Since the last leave-taking' of Guntram , she 
was not as sprightly, as before; her temper see- 
med thoroughly changed. The sun seemed to her 
not to shine so brightly, the flowers not to bloom 
as beautifully and the birds sing as merrily, as 
in former times. Her garden had no charms for 
her now and she sat all day long at the window, 
surveying the road, by which he must return. 

In the mean while Guntranrs embassy was 
at end. With a joyful heart he travelled home- 
wards, and hastening, impatient to see his Liba 
again, with winged steps left his companions 
far behind. 

One day he took a side-road, leading to a 
forest, in which he lost his way. He hoped, to 
meet somebody, who could bring him back to 
the right road, but it was in vain. He at last 
arrived before a solitary, half decayed castle. 

The knight entered the court-yard joyously 
and gave his horse to a boy, who was quite 
surprised at seeing him and stared at him, as 
if he was an apparition from another world. 
„ Where is your master?" asked Guntram. The 
boy showed him a gray tower, overgrown with 
ivy, into which the knight entered. The young 



— 201 — 



man felt a strange excitement, when he mounted 
the stone staircase his steps sounding hollowly 
through the old place. 

It seemed to him, as if he were in an enchan- 
ted castle and all fairy-tales, which he had heard 
or read, rose up in his mind. 

He was received by an old man, who told 
him, that he was the keeper and led the stranger 
into a gloomy apartment, where he bade him 
wait, till he had announced hinu 

Surprised at such an odd and at the same 
time solemn reception, he entered and saw oppo- 
site him a yelled picture, which excited his won- 
der and curiosity as well, as the oldfashioned 
furniture of the room. Moved by an irresistible 
desire of discovering the mystery, which seemed 
to hover over the castle, he lifted up the veil 
and instantly started back with surprise : for he 
saw the portrait of a wonderfully beautiful lady, 
who looked smilingly at him. 

At the same time he thought he heard the 
soft and melancholy tunes of a harp sound through 
the room. The young man had not yet recovered 
from his surprise, when the keeper returned in- 
troducing a thin old man, who received him as 
the lord of the castle saying: 

„We are seldom visited by a stranger, but 
nevertheless you may be assured, that, though 



we live here retired, we shall not forget the 
customs of hospitality. Therefore you are wel- 
come!" 

The old man spoke in a proud, but grave 
manner. Guntramfeit a strange fear, but which 
was soon dissipated by the old man's politeness, 
so that he replied with affability and confidence. 

He became by degrees accustomed to the 
gloom, which surounded him and after haying 
emptied some glasses of an excellent wine with 
the lord of the castle, his tongue was free'd and 
he conversed about every thing regarding 
chivalry, tournament s ; warfares and minstrelsy* 

„You also seem to be very fond of music, 
for I see there a harp, which seems to mourn 
on account of its inactivity." 

In saying the last words he fixed his eyes 
upon the lord of the castle, for he thought by 
alluding to the harp he could know something 
of the vailed portrait. But he stopped short, 
when he perceived the face of the old man 
become gloomy and sighing covered his eyes with 
his hands. 

„You are right, Sir!" replied he sadly, „once 
its tones were clear and melodius; but now 
its strings are broken, like the happiness of my 
life. Good night and sleep well, if you can." 

Having said this, he rose and withdrew, ac- 
companied by the keeper, to his apartment. 



- 203 — 



The young man remained confused, for he 
saw with regret, that he had re-opencd the 
wound, which gave to this gloomy abode such 
a melancholy character. 

When the keeper returned, he found him sit- 
ting at the table and leaning his head upon his 
hands. 

„Knight", said he, „my lord prays you, to 
remain one day longer with him and he excuses 
himself to have left you so suddenly. But you 
have touched a cord, which always re-opens the 
wound ; which has rendered him old and un- 
sociable 

„ A strange mystery reigns in this castle" ; 
continued Guntram „ could you not explain it 
to me?" 

„Why not, knight? Come with me to your 
room and on the way I will give you the wished 
for explanation", 

Guntram rose and followed the keeper into 
the adjoining room, where the vailed portrait 
hung. 

„Stop here", said he, „ before all and tell me, 
why this charming portrait is covered with this 
ugly veil?" 

„Have you already seen her?" asked the old 
man, „It is the daughter of the house, painted 
when she still lived in glory with us. You see 
how beautiful she was; but unfortunately she 



was a „ coquette" and capricious, but neverthe- 
less she was amiable, for she was of a fascina- 
ting, bewitching beauty a . 

The old man was silent some moments, like 
one sunk in deep melancholy revery; then he 
continued : 

„A great deal of admirers wooed her, amongst 
them a young man, the last descendant of an 
illustrious family and at the same time the sup- 
port of his old, infirm mother ; to whom he de- 
voted all his cares. This maid was, as I have- 
said of a wild capricious and extravacant gaiety. 
She demanded of her lovers things inpracticable 
and drove them away in this manner. Only the 
young man, whom we have mentioned, remained 
faithful to her, for his love was a sincere one 
and he had already done a great many things 
which were almost impossible for her sake. As 
a last task she imposed on him, to descent into 
the ancestoral vault and to bring her a crown 
of gold which must be found on the head of one 
of her ancestors ; the lover did as he was bidden 
and profaned the tombs. 

This profanation was punished. On the next 
morning they found the young man's corpse in 
the vault, holding the stolen crown in his hand. 
A stone loosened from the vault's roof had 
killed him. 

When the mother heard this horrible news, 



— 205 — 



she died some days after* In her last moments 
she cursed the extravagant folly of the maid, 
who had caused her son's death. From thence 
the maid pined away and died in the following 
year on the same day, as her lover. But when 
they wanted to bury her, the coffin was empty 
and the corpse had disappeared/ 4 

At the end of the tale they arrived at the 
bed-room. The keeper put the wax-light on the 
table and wished him good night, but he retur- 
ned again to the door and said: 

„Knight, if during the night some strange 
thing should happen, say but a „pater noster" 
and continue to sleep." 

He withdrew and the noise of his steps re- 
sounding through the corridors increased the 
trouble of the young man. 

The wine which he had drunk and the last 
admonition of the keeper had put him in a 
strange excitement. What were the meaning 
of his words? What sort of spectre haunted the 
castle?" such were the questions, which troubled 
his mind and filled him with fear. Drowsiness 
oppressed his eyelids and dressed as he was he 
threw himself on the bed to enjoy a few mo- 
ments of rest. 

He could but slumber ; suddenly it seemed to 
him as if he heard a light noise, like the rust- 
ling of a lady's gown, from the adjoining room; 



lie listened again, but all was silent and lie 
discontent with himself replaced his head on the 
pillow. In this moment be heard the soft tunes 
of a harp : clever hands touched its strings, 
sounding harmoniously and accompanied by a 
sweet, melancholy voice. Seized by a mingled 
feeling of fear and rapture he rose and approached 
the door softly, through a crevice of which he 
perceived the original of the portrait in a light 
night dress, the harp of gold leaning on her 
knees: her charming face had the expression of 
a deep melancholy and when she had finished, 
she let the harp fall on the ground with a cry 
of acute pain and distress. 

Gnntram could not contain his curiosity any 
longer. He opened the door and stepped in. 
The maid looked at him not with fear and anger, 
but with a melancholy regard of love, which 
penetrated deep into the joung man's heart. Being 
no longer master of himself, he sunk at her feet 
and kissed the hand, which she offered him : she 
drew him softly near to her and pressed him 
passionately to her bosom, abandoning her lips 
to his kisses with a sweet rapture. 

a You love me!" said she sighing. 

„ Oh more than my life!* replied he tremb- 
ling. 

The maid took a ring and put it on his finger ; 
e phressed her to his breast, but in the same 



- 207 - 



moment he heard the death-cry of a screech-owl 
and he held in his arms a corpse. 

Astonished and frightened he returned with 
tottering steps to his room, where nearly deprived 
of sense he sank on his couch. When on the 
next morning the suns rays penetrated through 
the windows, he awoke, rubbed his eyes and 
collected his thoughts. He thought, it must have 
been an illusion, but when he perceived the ring 
on his finger, he was convinced, that it was no 
dream, but a reality. He wanted to pull it off 
and throw it away, but he could not. The ring 
seemed to have grown on his finger. Pale and 
restless he walked to and fro in his room. His 
mind was troubled with feverish excitement by 
the remembrance of that what had happened and 
by his infidelity to Liba. He resolved at once 
to depart and to fly from a place, where an ex- 
travagant love had seduced him, to commit an 
act, which would always torment him. 

The lord of the castle entered, to inquire 
after his health. „ You seem to have spent a bad 
night, Sir; you look pale and sad, or ... * 

„What room is this, where we are?" inter- 
rupted the young man quickly. 

„The only one, which is habitable! it was 
my daughter's apartment!" 

„Yes ; yes," exclaimed Guntram sighing, there 
is her toilet and I have seen her this night." 



— 208 — 



..Sir", cried the keeper, perceiving the ring, 
„who has given you this ring?" 
„She herself!" 

.Then God help you! In three times nine 
days you will be a corpse!" 

G-untram started like one condemned: he 
wanted to speak, but his tongue moved not ; he 
wanted to laugh, but his features became distorted 
and regarding himself at that moment in the 
looking glass he fell with a loud cry on the 
floor. 

Guntram. though in a paroxysm of fever, set 
out on his way home some hours after. His heart 
was oppressed and his eyes glowed like fire. A 
crowd of ravens flying and croaking over him 
made him shudder, while his horse, as if per- 
ceiving his master's situation, ran in full gallop 
homewards. 

The joy of his betrothed was unutterable, 
when she could, after so long an absence, press 
the beloved youth to her heart : she perceived 
at once, that he was gloomy and dejected and 
that a secret oppressed him, but she understood 
too at once, the mind of a man may be troubled 
by other disappointments than that of a woman. 

Guntram, taking comfort from the presence 
of the lovely maid and perceiving a diminution 
of his passion, pressed impatiently upon the 
celebration of the wedding and Liba could only 



reply by kisses, for she longed as passionately 
as he to see this happy day. 

The day arrived at last. Guntram approached 
the altar with the sweet hope, that the charm, 
which chained him, would be broken by the 
nuptial benediction and he felt for the first time 
more tranquil and happy. 

He approached the altar with the firm per- 
suasion, that he was about to perform an act 
as important, as it was salutary for him. But 
when the priest joined their hands, he grew pale, 
tottered and fell to the ground with a frightful 
scream. 

He was carried home: Liba, seized with 
despair, fell upon his neck, with a flood of tears 
and uttering his name. 

At lenght he recovered his senses, he looked 
with astonishment around him; he then remem- 
bered what had happened; tears filled his eyes 
and he leant his head upon his love's bosom. 
When he had entirely recovered, he related to 
her the adventure of Walburg : he told her, that 
he had been overpowered by a wild delusion 
and that the dead girl had appeared and put 
her hand into his at the altar. 

.Liba", said he sighing, „I atone for my 
fault by death: forgive me and become my wife, 
before I die; for I feel, that I will find no rest 
and I shall be unhappy for ever!" 

11 



— 210 — 



Liim kissed his burning lips fervently and 
sent for a priest, wliom she led to the bed of 
the dying man; the nuptial benediction was 
uttered and Guntram, after having once more 
pressed his wife to his bosom, uttered a deep- 
sigh, lifted up his eyes to heaven and expired. 

The inconsolable wife did not shed one tear : 
her grief was too deep and afficting, she entered 
a convent and some years after died calmly. She 
was interred at the side of her lover. 

Her mother did not outlive her long. 



Heimburg. 



eyond Niederheimbach rise the ruins of 
Heimburg, in the neighbourhood of 
! which, on a rock, stands the castle of 
' Sonneck, which majestically overlooks 
the valley of Fluthen (Fiuthenthal). 

Heimburg was built in the early ages, by 
Sueno who is renowned as one of the bravest 
warriors who fought under the command of king 
Pharamond against Rome and the Gauls. Worms 
is supposed to have been built by Pharamond 
and had in the beginning the name of Phara- 
mundia, then Pharmatia, Vormatia and lastly 
Worms. 

Frankenthal is supposed to have existed at 
the same time. 

But to resume our story, Sueno was appointed 
commander of the troops, which occupied the 
newly conquered part of Nothern Gaul, while 
Pharamond departed, to meet the enemy, coming 
from the South. 

14* 




- 212 — 



One day lie received a message, that his 
daughter, to whom since her mother's death he 
had devoted all his tenderness*, had given birth 
to a boy. 

Angry and in despair by the disgrace to his 
family he hastened home and when the tremb- 
ling girl refused to name her seducer, he vrith 
one blow of his fist felled her to the ground, 
and killed her. 

Sueno remained in solitary retirement in his 
castle, for grief and repentance made him gloomy 
and morose. Pharamond visited him one day, 
to ask for the hand of his daughter. The father 
led him silently to her tomb, and vrhen he had 
explained to him the cause of the maid's death, 
the king, provoked by grief and rage, drew his 
sword and stabbed him to the heart. 

He tock the boy with him, for it was his 
child and he vras the seducer. 



L o r c L 



n the neighbourhood of the town of 
Lorch is to be seen a steep rock, called 
the „Kedderich u . It was inhabited by 
J mountain-sprites and a great many 
things are related of them. 

One of the prettiest tradition is that of the 
devil's ladder, which I shall now relate. 

Sibo of Lorch after his wife's death became 
a morose and sulky old fellow, who could only 
be cheered by the sight of his daughter, who 
was very lovely. He was a misanthrope and 
shut himself in his castle and refused hospitality 
to all travellers; everybody tried to avoid him 
and his castle. 

One evening a knock was heard at the castle 
gate. The knight, who happened to be in his 
worst humor, embraced this opportunity to give 
vent to his anger and sent the strangers who 
claimed hospitality away, uttering the most abu- 
sive words against them. 




— 214 — 

When lie asked after his daughter the fol- 
lowing day, he was told, that she had gone to 
the fields and had not been seen since. 

He immediately dispatched messengers for her, 
but they returned at noon without haying found 
her; they had only heard from a shepherd, that 
he had seen tw^o little gray men, who took the 
maid in their arms and climbed up the steep 
declivity of the „Kederich" with her. 

Great was the knights consternation at this 
news. He ran immediately towards the rock, 
called his daughter's name and saw her accom- 
panied by a little gray man, who made him a 
sign crying: 

„This is the reward for your refusal to us 
yesterday; when you know, how to show hos- 
pitality, better, I shall give her back to you, 
Sir knight!" 

Then he departed with a loud laughter, tak- 
ing the maid with him and left the father to 
despair. 

Years passed away and the knight went 
every day, so see his daughter, who walked in 
the morning and evening on the rock. She ad- 
vanced in years and the ardent desire of seeing 
her father again, rendered her life on the moun- 
tain disagreable and gloomy. 

Now it happened, that a friend of her child- 
hood returned home and repaired instantly to 



Sibo's castle: he heard with dismay what had 
happened and went speedily to the „Kederich u ; 
to deliver the maid. 

The maid "walked up and down the rock, her 
rosy face illuminated by the golden rays of the 
setting sun and appeared in her snow-white 
gown like an angel from above. All the fire 
of love which the young man had felt for her 
from his childhood and which had still increased, 
burnt fiercer at her sight : he called her by name 
and climbed the rocks, till he sunk down exhaus- 
ted, and covering his face with both hands. He 
remained a long time in this position, the last 
rays of the setting sun had disappeared from 
the horizon, on which the stars and moon shone 
with a soft light, and he still sat at the foot 
of the mountain, meditating upon the means 
of delivering his beloved; but in vain, for it was 
impossible to climp the „Eedderich u . 

„Ah! a exclaimed he with a deep sigh. „Who 
can help me?" 

„Why are you so dejected?" stammered a 
woman appearing suddenly before him. „If you 
wish to deliver the maid, return to-morrow even- 
ing, for it is high time, to marry her and the 
father is punished severely enough." 

The young man, recovering from his sur- 
prise, asked who she was and if she were indeed 
able to help him. 



„She has been my child since she was carried 
hither and I took care of her with a mother's 
love. She spoke often of you and seeing your 
grief, I will help you, if you are still inclined 
to marry her. She longs to see you again!" 

The youth swore, that he loved her and 
would never love another; the little woman 
listened to him and nodding her head praised 
his sentiments. 

„Eeturn to morrow evening and climb the 
rock; I shall have made the way practicable 
by then." 

Having said this, she disappeared as suddenly 
as she had come and the young man returned 
with a joyous and grateful heart to the father, 
whom he informed of his adventure, expressing 
the hope of bringing the maid home the next day. 

On the following evening Sibo went with 
the young knight and found, a ladder leaning 
against the „Kedderich" reaching from the foot to 
the top of the rock. The youth mounted the 
steps courageosiy, while the old man watched the 
lover with a palpitating heart, till he had reached 
the last step. Arrived at the summit of the rock 
he waved his hat triumphantly, and with loud 
cries of joy he entered the large caves before 
him, to search for the maid. 

He had scarce advanced a few paces, when 



— 217 - 



lie suddenly found himself in an enchanted region. 
Superb flowers, which he had never seen before, 
exhaled the sweetest fragrance ; rivulets as clear 
as crista! ran with a soft noise over stones of 
various colours and the most melodius sounds 
were heard from the surrounding grove. He 
w^as led on by a magical power and arrived at 
a blooming grove from the depht of which a 
rosy light issued and brightened his way. He 
advanced and came at last to a grotto, the 
walls of which shone brightly from the reflection 
of the light, which had attracted him. In the 
grotto he found the maid, slumbering on a bank 
of moss and in her dream extending her arms 
towards him. 

The youth knelt down before her and kissed 
the border of her gown. She awoke by the 
stranger's touch, was frightened and wanted to 
escape, but he detained her making himself 
known to her and promising to lead her home 
to her father. She now recognised her friend 
and suffered him to embrace and kiss her. A 
hollow noise disturbed them. A dwarf stood 
before them, whose gloomy and threatening eyes 
forebode mischief, but the little woman, who had 
bid the youth to come, joined them and spoke 
to the dwarf in a strange language, both began 
to laugh and the goblin said: 

„Weil, young man, the bride is yours, for it 



— 218 — 



is in vain we fight against the artifices of women ; 
take her away and never violate the laws of 
chivalry and hospitality, for if you do you will 
become much unhappier, than the old Sibo ! 

Grateful and happy the young man was about 
to take away Ids beloved with him ; but the 
dwarf opposed, saying: 

„No, my friend, return the way, by which 
you came hither; we will lead your bride a safer 
way. He took the maid's hand and led her away. 
The young man returned speedily by the way, 
which he had come. 

Below he found the maid in the arms of her 
father and when the sprites took leave of them, 
they delivered to the maid a small box, saying: 

„ There is your dowry, child, and when you 
celebrate your wedding, whe shall return and pay 
you a visit." 

And so they did. The wedding was celebrated 
merrily and after the guests had retired and 
the young pair were still together and convers- 
ing about their future life, they saw the two 
sprites entering, who brought them nuptial 
presents and rejoiced to see their foster-child a 
happy wife, 

Peace and happiness reigned now in the 
castle and in course of time lovely grand-children 
played around old Sibo, whose melancholy had, 



since the severe lesson given to him, entirely 
clissappeared. 

The ladder stood in the same place for a 
long* time, but it fell to pieces through age. The 
people living in the neighbourhood had called 
it the „devirs-iadder a , a name, which the walls 
carry till the present day. 



Pfalzgrafenstein. 



elovr Bacharaeli. opposite Caub. on a 
rock in the middle of the Bhine is 
to be seen a gloomy castle, called 
„Pfalsgrafenstein~. 
The r Pfalzgraf* Conrad of Staufen, a brother- 
in-law of the emperor Frederick the first, who 
inherited the estates after the death of Hermann 
of Stahleck. had a beautiful daughter, but no sons. 
Illustrious princes contended, to obtain the hand 
of the rich heiress, but in vain: she had already 
devoted her heart to a young man, who besides 
possessing a chivalrous disposition also heroic 
courage and prudence: it was Henry the lion, 
chief of the .Welts". 

Henry having heard of the matchless beauty 
of Agnes, resolved to repair to the Bhine. to 
see her. Disguised as a pilgrim he entered the 
castle during the counts absence. He was intro- 
duced to the ladies apartment, tu shorten the 
tediousness of the evening for them by singing 
and relating his adventures. 




Mains , Halensa s Verla§ 



r*OSTOffie£DE 



NOV 25 



LIBRARK 



He stood with surprise and admiration before 
the lovely girl. 

Agnes was likewise not indifferent. Her cheeks 
glowed, her bosom heaved and she felt her heart 
beat quicker and a strange excitement over- 
come her. 

The mother perceived at once the danger of 
the pilgrim's presence. She dismissed him with 
few words, resolving however to make inquiry 
about his true rank, for she had already seen, 
he was no common pilgrim. But all this was 
unnecessary. The pilgrim was once more announ- 
ced and having been admitted he made himself 
known to her and begged the mother, to use 
her influence with the „Pfalzgraf" and persuade 
him, not to reject his marriage-proposal on ac- 
count of political reasons. 

The delighted mother, who had already at 
the first meeting felt a lively sympathy for the 
stranger and was now the more prepossessed in 
his favor, instantly sent for her daughter, repre- 
sented her the knight in his true character and 
then withdrew, for she wished eagerly to see 
both united as soon as possible 

Her wish was fulfilled. Agnes confessed her 
love ; swore fidelity to the enthusiastic young man 
and sunk on the bosom of her mother, who 
approached to bless their union. On the next 
day Henry departed in his disguise and he would 



return later as duke, openly to demand the hand 
of his beloved. 

As the mother was interested in marrying 
her daughter to Henry, so the ,,Pfalzgraf" and 
the emperor were interested in marrying her to 
a prince of their family. 

Scarce had Conrad of Staufen heard, that the 
chief of the „Welfs" wooed his daughter with 
greater success than the others, and that his 
wife took his part, he gave orders, to furnish 
the castle on the Rhine, which he had recently 
built and to imprison his daughter there. 

The mother however, offended by this act, 
thought upon a stratagem and dispatched a 
messenger to Henry, to inform him of what had 
happened; she told him to come and celebrate 
his marriage with Agnes in secret. 

Henry followed the invitation with joyful haste. 
A young priest was bribed and in 'a disguise led 
by the „Pfalzgrafin" into the castle. The duke 
swam to the castle and received dry clothes from 
the bribed sentinel, who opened the gate. 

The nuptial benediction was performed and 
the young couple left to themselves. 

The mother joyfully withdrew, to communicate 
to her husband what had happened. She did it 
with so much grace and loveliness, that the 
„Pfalzgrafs u anger was appeased. 

But to have revenge for the trick, which she 



played him, he gave orders, that Agnes and her 
husband should remain imprisoned in the castle, 
till the young woman had given birth to a boj\ 
He then speedily repaired to the emperor, to 
give him an account of what had happened. The 
emperor was obliged to conceal his anger and 
give his approval It is unnecessary, to tell, 
that Agnes and her husband readily consented to 
the conditions imposed upon them. 

In remembrance of this blissful captivity in 
the tower a law was made, by which each 
„Pfalzgrafln" was bound to remain in the castle 
till the birth of a child. 



G nt e n f e 1 s. 



bove Caufa rises in solemn majesty tlie 
castle of G-ut enf els. 
About the middle of the 13 th century 
Philipp of Falkenstein inhabited it 
with his sister Guta ; who is described as a very 
beautiful lady, endowed with the noblest quali- 
ties of mind and body. 

The knight of Falkenstein and his sister were 
present at a tournament at Cologne, where there 
was a great assembly of beauty. 

Guta, one of the loveliest, soon attracted the 
attention of all the knights and especially one 
among them, whose looks always met hers with 
a lively expression of admiration and tenderness. 
The knight, who kept his eyes continually fixed 
upon her and who had made a deep impression 
upon her heart, was splendidly armed from top 
to toe and mounted on a spirited horse, the 
movements of which indicated, that it was high 
bred. 




Nobody recognized him, for his visir was 
lowered and he had been admitted into the tilt- 
yard only by a word from the archbishop, whose 
guest he was. 

He advanced into the court and Gutta percei- 
ved with interest and pleasure the dexterity, 
with which the knight managed his wild and 
fiery steed. The eyes of the knight met hers 
and with a throbbing heart and blushing cheeks 
she turned her eyes away in sweet confusion. 

With a crash the two knights met each other; 
Guta dared not lift her eyes up, till a shout of 
joy announced the victory. 

The vanquished was lifted up by the herald 
and the unknown conqueror rode round the tilt- 
yard as is the custom. Arrived opposite Guta, 
he lowered his lance and the maid, surprised by 
this mark of politeness and in a charming con- 
fusion let her glove fall to the ground. The 
knight picked it quickly up and begged her to 
present him with it ; as a reward of his victory. 

Guta could not refuse the gallant knight, he 
instantly fixed the glove on his helmet, as a sign 
of the victory which he had gained. 

Falkenstein, flattered by the homage paid to 
his sister, invited the knight, to call upon him 
in his castle ; the stranger accepted the invitation 
with thanks and withdrew bowing to the lovely 

15 



- 226 - 



Grata; she pressed her hand to her bosom, as if 
to keep back the violence of her feeling'. 

Some days after this a knight, accompanied 
by two servants, entered the castle and was 
received heartily by Falkenstein. 

AVhen the guest was alone with G-uta, whose 
brother had withdrawn for some hours, he turned 
the conversation upon the tournament and spoke 
vrith enthusiasm of the deep impression, which 
she had made on his heart. Guta listened with 
lively interest and a heaving bosom to the wor ds 
of the stranger; only her tears and a tender 
squeeze of the hands betrayed, that the arrow 
of the winged God had deeply sunk into her 
heart. 

The avowal of her love had thoroughly changed 
Ghita, renowned before for her haughtiness and 
pride. Xow weak and humble she leant on the 
knight's breast and his lips met hers in passionate 
tenderness, while in her half-shut eyes sparkled 
tears of joy. 

When the trambling of her brother's horse 
was heard in the court-yard, she withdrew from 
her lover's arms and tried to conceal her con- 
fusion as much, as she could. 

The knight seized Guta's hand, looking at 
her with a regard of true and sincere love and 
saying in a low voice: 

„Forgive me, beloved one, to have elicited 



- 227 - 



the secret of your heart, without the hope of 
success in demanding your hand from your 
brother. But wait some months and I shall 
present myself in my true character and adorned 
with all the marks of my rank, never to leave 
you again!" 

„I shall be faithful to you till death! 44 ex- 
claimed she sighing and withdrew, to avoid the 
scrutinizing regards of her brother. 

A war had broken out in Germany on account 
of a new emperor's election. One party was for 
Eichard of Cornwallis, the other for Alphonse of 
Castile ! the first prince prevailed and was crow- 
ned at Frankfort o. M. 

Falkensteim who had sided with Eichard. 
returned to the castle, where Guta waited calmly 
and confidently for the return of her lover. But 
after some months had passed, without getting 
any news of him, she began to despair and her 
rosy cheeks grew more and more pale and she 
shut herself in her room to weep and pray. 

The brother thought her sick and left her 
alone, as nothing could appease her grief. 

One summer-morning the sun had risen with 
unusual brilliancy, brightening by her golden- 
rays the dewy valley and playing on the waves 
of the river and on the windows of the castle, 
which appeared, as if they were on fire. 

All were happy in the castle as well, as in 

15* 



t lie small villages around. Gray columns of 
smoke mounted in the air. The labourer "walked 
with hasty steps towards the mountains which 
were covered with vine-yards, while a boy with 
flaxen hair and bare feet drove the cows towards 
the pasture. 

Nicely dressed girls walked to the castle, 
with baskets on their fair heads, cheering the 
way by telling their innocent love-adventures of 
yesterday or laughing merrily on account of some 
witty jocund remark of their companions. There 
suddenly appeared on the road along the Rhine 
a troop of cavaliers, whose armour and arms 
shone brilliantly in the sun. They rode a full 
gallop through the village, the inhabitants of 
which regarded the splendid troop, with astonish- 
ment and wonder who travelled towards Chaube, 
the lord of which, informed by the sentinel of 
the tower, received them at the gate. 

„ God be with thee, noble knight l u exclaimed 
the most distinguished of the troop, offering his 
hand to Falkenstein. 

„Be welcome! my king; alight and come in!" 
replied the surprised and joyful knight. 

Richard lept from his horse and shaking the 
knight's hand, once more he entered the castle 
with him. 

„ Where is your lovely sister knight?" asked 
the king merrily. 



„Forgive that she has not yet appeared; but 
she is ill and indulging in her grief!" 

„Bring her the message, that king Richard 
begs her hand; that may cure her and cheer 
her up. tt 

„I doubt it ; for Guta has high sentiments 
and even a crown would not dissuade her from 
her resolution. She won't marry and has already 
rejected many wooers. Howewer, out of love for 
you, I will ask her once more." 

Falkenstein withdrew and Richard walked 
restlessly to and fro in the apartment. Guta's 
brother returned instantly and hastening towards 
the king, said to him: 

„I have told her; and she is immoveable!" 

„God be praised!" exclaimed the king sigh- 
ing and his breast seemed to be rid of a heavy 
burden. „Know, lord of Falkenstein", said he 
smilling, „that your sister and myself swore fide- 
lity after the tournament of Cologne. I was un- 
known to you and departed some time after 
with the promise to return soon and ask for your 
siter's hand. Obliged to perform my duty at 
the court, I could not accomplish my promise ; 
but now I appear, to fetch my betrothed, who 
refused a king to remain faithful to her lover. 
Take this glove and bring it to her. Tell her, 
that a knight of the king's train , sent her this 



sign; lead her hither, that I may congratulate 
her and accomplish my promise". 

Falkenstein took the glove gratefully and went 
to his sister; no sooner had the maid recognized 
the glove, than she hastened down and embraced 
her lover tenderly, with tears of joy. 

„You remained faithful to me, dear maid", 
said the king, pressing her to his breast, „as I 
remained faithful to you!" 

Guta looked at him with a sweet smile, her 
heart filled with rapture. 

„ Would I deserve to become emperor of Ger- 
many, if I did not profit of the liberty, to keep 
my word?" 

Guta trembled for joy and pressing him ten- 
derly to her bosom, exclaimed with sparkling 
eyes : 

„You? Emperor?" 

,,Our emperor Richard, your husband!" replied 
the brother, down whose cheeks tears were 
flowing. 

The marriage ceremony was performed and 
the emperor Richard took his illustrious consort 
with him, changing the name of Chaube for 
Gutenfels, as the castle is denominated to this day. 



Schonberg. 



p the now decayed castle of Schon- 
berg lived in olden times seven sisters, 
who were called the seven beautiful 
' countesses. 
The renown of their beauty as well as their 
fortune allured from far and near a great many 
admirers. Their attentions grew so troublesome 
to the seven ^beauties", that they a last resolved 
to get rid of them. 

They made it known, that all, who demanded 
their hands' should appear in the castle. The 
wooers flocked thither in great numbers, to try 
their chance. They were received with courtesy 
and when all were assembled, a waiting- woman 
brought a silver-vase, filled with little rolls of 
parchment, on which were painted the different 
colours of the seven ladies. 

Each one put his hand into the vase and took 
a roll out of it, the result was that the seven 
most ugly among them gained and all others 
drew blanks. 




The jealousy, anger and ironical remarks of 
the one and the bustling* of the others are beyond 
power of description. The general alarm pre- 
sented them hearing the peals of laughter, issu- 
ing from the adjoining room, and the mocking 
remarks of the seven countesses. 

The knights, who had been favoured by fortune 
demanded to see their future wives and were led 
solemnly into a saloon, where hung the fulMenght 
portraits of the seven sisters. 

„See, gallant knights, your brides '~ exclaimed 
the maid tittering and making a reverence to the 
confused lovers, who fled out of the room, breath- 
ing vengeance. 

On the Rhine they saw the lovely maids in 
a boat adorned with flovrers : they were going to 
another castle. Merrily fc&ey laughed and waved 
their handkerchiefs to the lovers. 

The boatmen, who rowed them to the other 
side of the Ehine ; named the seven rocks, which 
are to be seen at low water, the .seven virgins- : 
but history tells us, that the seven countesses 
dit not remain so cold and prudish, for many 
brave and gallant knights were their descendants. 



L u r 1 e y. 




t is no wonder, that there are so many 
popular tales about the rock of the „Lur- 
ley u for there it not a mountain so ro- 
mantically situated and so interesting. 
In times of yore a charming „ undine" had 
selected this rock for her abode : every evening 
she sate at the top of it, combed her golden hair 
or accompanied her pathetic and melodius songs 
on a golden lute. 

Every one, who saw and heard her, was 
charmed and felt in his heart a deep and passion- 
ate love, so that for the purpose of seeing the 
lovely enchantresse, a great many boats, approach- 
ing too near the rock, where dashed on it and 
hurled in the foaming waves. 

But the charming „ undine u was not always 
dangerous : for she often rendered men services 
and she seemed especially to favour the fishermen 
of the neighbourhood, in showing them from time 
to time the places, which abounded in fishes. 



— 234 - 



The renown of her beauty as well, as of her 
amiability and charity soon spread along the 
Rhine and allured the son of the „Pfalzgraf fl to 
come and see her. He did not care for the ad- 
monitions and warning of some old boatmen, but 
lept into a boat and bade them steer towards 
the rock. 

The boatmen sighing and shrugging their 
shoulders obeyed the young counts orders. The 
boat rapidly crossed the waves, which dashed 
foaming on towards the rock. 

Dark clouds veiled the bright moon and re- 
flected their shadows on the waves, while the 
summit of the Luriey was illuminated by a 
silver light, which reflected over the valley of 
Fiuthen. 

The young count bent forwards looking with 
wild and anxious gaze first to the rock and 
then to the river, in the hope of seeing her. But 
nothing appeared and discouraged he was about 
to withdraw. 

The boat was already returning, when a 
charming melody issuing, as it seemed, from the 
depht of the river, reached his ear. The waves 
rose with a roaring noise and carried the boat 
violently away and pushed it towards the rock. 
There the young man saw with rapture the 
glorious form of a virgin, clad in a snow-white 
gown and covered with a sort of green veil. 



- 235 — 



„ There! There! I must and will climb up the 
rock!" cried the youth, with expressions of wild 
and passionate love. 

The boatmen warned him at first of the 
danger, to which he would expose himself by 
this, bnt irritated by the contradiction he drew 
his sword and threatened to stab them, if they 
did not obey. The boatmen sadly seized the 
oars and rowed towards the rock. The young* 
man, having no more command of himself, lept 
out of the boat and fell into the foaming waves. 
The boatmen in vain tried to rescue him; they 
sought for his corpse, but he remained buried in 
the Rhine. 

At this news his father was seized with vio- 
lent despair and resolved to take vengeance. He 
despatched soldiers, to take the sorceress prisoner, 
for he wished to burn her as a witch. 

The men, led by the captain, repaired to the 
rock and perceived from afar the undine, who 
looked smilingly at the waves. They climbed 
the rock cautiously and surrounded it. 

„Halloh, sorceress ! u — exclaimed the captain, 
brandishing his naked sword. „The seducing 
tricks, by which you charmed the young count, 
have no power over us! Come down, or I shall 
hurl you into the river!" 

Fearlessly she bent down and said with a 
smile on her rosy lips: 



„The Rhine will receive me, which will be 

better!" 

„Nonsense, nonsense! Take care! I shall 
fetch you!* and saving so he climbed up the 
rock, on which the „undine a awaited Mm with a 
sweet and childish smile. 

When the man had arrived there quite ex- 
hausted and out of breath and was about to 
touch her, the ,. nymph" bent towards the Rhine 
singing: 

„Hasten hither, lovely waves u , 
.Take me quickly to your caves!" 

Suddenly a frightful thunderstorm raged round 
the rock and hurled the captain down. The 
Rhine foamed like the sea : two immense waves 
took the fair undine and carried her with them. 

The captain rose at last with trembling limbs 
and chattering teeth and cursing the undine : he 
returned to follow his men, who had already fled, 
for it seemed to them, as if they heard thousand 
of voices screaming to them and the war-cry of 
a numerous army, marching after them. 

With grief and sadness the „palsgraf fc saw 
his want of power. From that time the undine 
was never seen again. 



> 9 9 9"9 



I 9 #1? # 9 9 



L u r i e y. 




ildly dance the seething waves 
i And throw their spray around; 

There the mists rise from the caves, 

Which there about abound. 



Sluggishly they twist and twine 
Themselves in ghostly forms; 

— Seem to guard their fav'rite Ehine 
Like phantoms o'er their tombs, 

Boatmen, as they near the place, 
With fear and moisten'd eye, 
Beg most earnestly for grace — 

— And Pity from on high. 

My son sank here — an old man said, 
(His tears began to flow) 
Lurline call'd him to the dead; 

— Unto her hosts below. 

That word „Lurline" echoed round, 
And back it slowly came; 
Then from the dephts seem'd to sound 
In chorus that (tread name. 
May e nee, 5 th July 1875. 



L o r e 1 a y. 



besides the foregoing tradition of the fair 
j waternymph another is related, which 
! has likewise reference to the rock called 

i — : J the „Lurley". 

There was once to be seen at Baeharach a 
maid of such exquisite beauty, that every one 
seeing her became enamoured. 

But her virtue and maidenlike timidity pro- 
tected her against all forwardness; and only one 
succeeded in gaining her favours, but he had 
departed for Palestine, to gain laurels and make 
himself renowned, before he led the fair maid 
home as his bride. 

She was an orphan and every one thought it 
therefore permitted to try his chance with the 
maid. As every one was jealous of the other 
and viewed in him a happier rival, a great many 
duels were fought and even assassinations were 
committed. The maid lived in the greatest 




retirement and was not to be seen any more at 
church and not even at her window. 

It seemed, as if the young men became still 
more inflamed by the reserve and coyness of 
the maid. The maid was thought to be possessed 
of a magical power and this belief was still 
more confirmed by some priests and monks who 
had likewise, so report said, tried to gain her 
favour. The maid was arrested and accused as 
a sorceress. The archbishop of Cologne, to whom 
the case was committed as lawful judge in spiri- 
tual matters, repaired instantly to Bacharach, 
to see the maid and to decide according to his 
own perception. He soon understood the odious 
motives of the accusers, punished them and con- 
soled the disconsolate maid for the injury inflicted 
upon her. 

„X shall bring you to a place, where your 
beauty will be secure against persecutions. 
There you may wait quietly for the return of 
your beloved or in case of his death, take the 
veil!" 

He ordered three knights, to convey her to 
a convent and pay every attention to her on 
the way. 

Lorelay fell thankfully at the archbishop's feet 
and kissed his gown ; she then rose and followed 
her guides. 



— 2iO — 



Arrived at the rock of „Lurley a she went to 
the top, to take a parting-look at the Rhine and 
its beautiful banks. Her gaze was directed 
attentively to a boat, which was at some distance 
from her. It approached nearer and nearer and 
she recognized the colours of her lover's flag, 
who was in the boat. The guides hastened to 
her, attracted by her joyful shout's; they per- 
ceived the boat and rejoiced with the maid, who 
now wept with joy and fell on her knees, exten- 
ding her arms towards her lover. 

At lenght the boat came so near, that the 
passengers could be recognized. A splendidly 
dressed knight stood on the deck and waved his 
hat. He perceived the people on the rock and 
among them he recognized his beloved, who made 
signs to him, which he tenderly and joyfully 
returned. The boat approached the rock and as 
all eyes were turned upwards, nobody thought 
of the wirl-pool, which lurked fur its prey and 
swallowed all that it could seize. The boat was 
caught by it and slung with such violence against 
the rock, that it broke. 

A cry of terror was heard, the boat disappe- 
ared beneath the waves with all hands. The 
spectators on the rock were filled with horror 
and especially the maid, who with looks of 
despair regarded the waves, which had buried 
her happiness. 



- 241 — 



Just then a pale face with flaxen hair floating 
in disorder rose to the surface of the water. 
A frightful cry broke from the lips of the maid 
as she plunged down into the river on the corpse 
of her lover. The bodies were found later in a 
close embrace. 

This event still more confirmed the belief in 
the waternymph of the „Lurley a , 



St. Goar. 



ear St. Goar is a chain of rocks which 
is known by the name of the „bank" ; 
it is very dangerous for fishermen. 
Under Sighert, son of Clotar, king 
of France, the fishermen lived separately on the 
banks of the Rhine. They had repaired especially 
to those parts on account of the quantity of 
salmon, which abounded there, 

The poorer class of people in that time were 
ignorant and savage, more heathenish than 
christian; therefore it was a great advantage to 
them when such a man as Goar came and took 
up his abode amongst them ; for he was a good 
and true christian. He established himself on 
one of the most dangerous parts of the Rhine, 
namely near the „bank a * 

He regarded it as bis duty to exercise hospi- 
tality, to alleviate the misery of the poor, to 
teach true Christianity and especially to help all, 
who had been shipwrecked at that spot. 




- 243 - 



Now it is not to be wondered, that the fisher- 
men of the neighbourhood believed him a mes- 
senger of heaven and respected and loved him 
accordingly. 

Through the slander of a prelate, king Sigberts 
attention was drawn to the modest life of the 
hermit, whom the priests looked upon with jea- 
lousy. But Sigbert, who knew how to value him, 
recognized his noble principles and as Goar refu- 
sed every ecclesiastical dignity, the king sent 
him rich presents. The king was always favou- 
rable to the hermit and when he died, he recom- 
mended his cell and tomb to the roj-al protector 
who ordered him to be buried by the priest and 
a chapel to be erected over it. 

The chapel became a place of pilgrimage and 
was gradually altered into a convent, the monks 
of which exercised the duties of humanity and 
hospitality, by which Goar had done so much 
good in his life-time. 

Later on a band of robbers plundered and 
burnt the church. The count of Arnheim ordered 
it to be rebuilt and enclosed by walls. By de- 
grees the town of St. Goar was built around 
the convent. 

The tomb of the hermit became splendid and 
miraculous. Charles the great, who one day 
passed before it, without taking any notice of it 
was enveloped by such a thick fog, that he was 

16* 



— 244 — 



obliged to pass the night in the open air and 
onh^ after having returned and said a prayer in 
the chapel, the fog disappeared and he could 
continue travelling. His sons Charles and Pipin, 
whom hatred had set at variance, met by chance 
at Goar's tomb and where reconciled. His wife 
Fastrada was cured there of a severe illness, 
and the emperor built a court and a new church, 
out of gratitude for all the benefits bestowed by 
the Saint on his family. 



Rheinfels, the cat and the mouse. 



fter the extinction of the counts of Arn- 
heim, the protectorship of the town of 
St. Goarshausen devolved on the counts 
of Katzenellenbogen. The castle of 
Rheinstein, built in former times and well fortified, 
became the residence of the new protectors. 

The counts of Katzenellenbogen were the neig- 
bours of the archbishop Cuno of Falkenstein and 
always at variance with the proud and valiant 
prelate, who endeavoured to extent his dominion 
•to the prejudice of his neighbours. 

The counts of Katzenellenbogen, having heard 
that Cuno had fortified his castle of Thurmberg 
rebuilt the castle of Neu-katzenellenbogen, which 
is situated on the right bank of the Ehine and 
gave it the name of the „cat" and Thurmberg 
was called the „ mouse". 

The two fortresses, situated opposite each 
other, dominated the Rhine, but the castle of 
Neu-katzenellenbogen barred the passage to the 




prelate from the upper side of the Rhine. In spite 
of all their endeavours to catch the „mouse tt , 
Cuno understood how to counteract the tricks 
and leaps of the cat and keep the mouse unhurt. 

The last descendant of the family ofKatzen- 
ellenbogen had a morose and quarrelsome wife, 
who disturbed the domestic happiness and even 
ill-treated her own children, a son and daughter. 
The count was divorced from his wife on acount 
of her bad and disagreeable charakter and married 
in later time his son to a maid of the family of 
Dillenburg-Nassau and his daughter to a member 
of the family of the „Landgraven" of Hessen. 

Soon after his wedding the young count de- 
parted with his uncle John of Nassau for the 
Netherlands, to take possession of the estates, 
which fell to his share as the dowry of his wife. 

He was stabbed at Bruges in Flanders in 
the year 1454. 

His father, who thus lost the last of his family 
in the person of his son, resolved to marry again 
and chose the widow of the duke Otto of Bruns- 
wick, a young and virtuous lady. 

But the relations, who already regarded the 
count's estates as their property, conspired against 
the union and bribed the chaplain of the count, 
to poison the young wife; the priest offered her 
blessed wine, into which he had thrown arsenic, 
but the countess, disgusted by the odour of the 



— 247 — 



poisoned wine, drank but very little and that 
only not to displease the holy man. 

She was seized with violent convulsions and 
could only be saved with much difficulty, but the 
assiduous care of her old husband accelerated 
her recovery. 

The assassin, pursued by the count of Nassau, 
father of the victim, was arrested at Cologne and 
burnt alive at the foot of the gallows, without 
having however betrayed his accomplices. 

The counts sick wife recovered indeed, but 
without hope of descendants ; and after her death 
the immense estates went to the relations. 

The landgrave of Hessen inherited St. Goar 
and the castle of Rheinfels. 

In the year 1692 the Hessian capitain Gorz 
defended the castle successfully against marshall 
Tallard. But they surrendered in the year 1794 
at the first summons of the French, who demo- 
lished the fortifications. 



The brothers. 



jo tradition, excepting that of the Lurley 
I is more popular, than the tradition of 
| the two castles Liebenstein and Stern- 
berg, belonging to two brothers. 
Dietrich of Liebenstein, who was already in 
possession of the castle of Sternberg had two 
sons, whom he educated with a young orphan- 
maid of the family of Bromser, who was under 
his guardianship. 

The father saw with pleasure, that his sons 
courted the young and rich heiress, for he was 
interested in seeing one of his sons married to 
the orphan, that her inheritance might be joined 
to the estates of Liebenstein. 

After the father's death the brothers and the 
orphan lived some time together in friendly inter- 
course, but as the elder one, who was of a grave 
character, remarked; that the maid favoured more 
his lively, gay and affectionate brother, he desisted 
from courting her and favoured their union. 




Pilgrims arrived at the banks of the Rhine 
relating- to the people all the wonders of distant 
countries and priests preached the cross and 
demanded the knights in the name of Christ to 
fight for the possession of the Holy Sepulchre, 
and the destruction of the infidels. 

The elder knight, notwithstanding his love 
for his brother felt a great oppression on his 
heart and spirits, when he saw the maid jesting 
tenderly with his brother ; so he resolved to take 
the cross. 

But the younger knight was first to form this 
resolution and one day made it known to them. 
His brother and his betrothed were alarmed by 
the hasty vow of the young knight, but the reli- 
gious enthusiasm prevailed over their consternation 
and the young crusader took leave of his brother 
and of his beloved, to whom he vowed fidelity. 

„You precede me", said the elder brother to 
the young one, „but, though you do wrong, 
I cannot be angry with you on that account; 
don't forget your betrothed nor me, who must 
remain here to guard the castle. Don't forget 
us and return soon. u 

The maid with anxious and tearful eyes wat- 
ched her lover depart and waved her handker- 
chief as long as she could see him, but when 
at a turning of the road he disappeared, she fell 



-- 250 — 

sobbing on the breast of his brother, who tried 
to console her. 

The knight had to undergo a hard struggle 
on account of his daily intercourse with the lo- 
vely maid, but he triumphed over the temptation 
and betrayed neither by looks, nor by any gesture 
the torments of his heart. 

Many months passed thus, when suddenly at 
the castle of Liebenstein the surprising news 
arrived, that the younger brother had returned to 
his castle Sternberg ; at the same time the rumour 
spread, that a Grecian maid of high beauty had 
come with him, as his wife. At this news the 
unhappy maid fell senseless to the ground, while 
the elder knight strode furiously up and down 
the apartment and shed tears of rage and grief. 

His brother at the castle of Sternberg dispatched 
a messenger to Liebenstein with a letter, in which 
he proffered excuses, but the brother tore it to 
pieces without having read it and said to the 
messenger : 

„Tell your perfidious master, that every inter- 
course between us is broken for ever and that 
I shall have revenge for his crime! 44 

Saying this he gave the messenger his glove 
and challenged his brother. 

The day of the unnatural duel at length arri- 
ved. The brothers repaired armed to the bor- 
ders of their estates and had already drawn 



— 251 — 



their swords, when a soft voice commanded them 
to stop. The maid stepped, like a guardian- 
angel, between the combatants, regarding them 
with imploring looks. 

„Dear brother", said she to the eider one in 
a soft tune, mingled with reproach, „ would you, 
for my sake, pollute your hand by the brother's 
blood? No, that you will not, you love me too 
much and will not increase my misery by a 
murder; but you," continued she turning to the 
younger one, who was half contrite, „you, who 
have broken your vows to me, be as happy in 
the arms of the Grecian lady, as you can be. 
I forgive you and shall pray for you in the 
convent. K 

She then withdrew as softly as she had come 
and abandoned the brothers to their grief. 

„Forgive% exclaimed the younger one sobbing, 
„ forgive me, my dear brother; overpowered by 
passion I have grievously offended you and that 
angel." 

He knelt down suppliantly and offered his 
brother his hand and then threw away his sword. 
The features of the elder one now brightened 
and not able, any longer to master his feelings, 
he embraced the brother and pressed him to his 
breast. 

The seconds, who had stood with anxious 



expectation rejoiced at the reconciliation and em- 
braced each other also. 

The sun, who had been veiled before by a 
gray mist, re-appeared again and threw its bril- 
liant rays over the fields. 

The elder brother tried to dissuade the maid 
from her resolution, proposing to her, to- remain 
with him as his wife, but she replied, that she 
could not devote to another man a crushed and 
wronged heart and that she would find no rest, 
but in a convent. 

He complied with a bleeding heart and accom- 
panied her himself to the convent, which she 
had chosen. 

The infidelity of the younger brother was 
punished. His frivolous wife yielded to the se- 
ductions of another, became faithless and fled 
with her seducer. 

From this time the two brothers lived happily 
together. To honour the grievously injured nun 
they remained unmarried and their only pleasure 
was, to visit each other frequently and pass some 
hours in each other's company. 



B o p p ar cl 



his once free and imperial town, which 
: like many other towns along' the Ehine 
I is now no longer in its grandeur and 
! splendour, was in the Roman tiroes 
called Bodobriga and possessed a castle of the 
kings of France, the ruins of which are still to 
be seen. 

In the reign of Frederick the first, there lived 
in the above mentioned town an enterprising, 
humorous and brave fellow, namend Conrad, a 
descendant of the noble family of ., Bayer of 
Boppard". He courted a noble maid of the 
neighbourhood, whom he was resolved to marry 
after the return of her brother, who had gone 
to Palestine with the crusaders, under the com- 
mand of Frederick the I. 

Eobbers profited by the emperor's absence, 
to plunder the castles and towns. And Conrad 
had to suffer many attacks from them, and after 
having repulsed them, he succoured other knights 




who were in the same danger, only to satisfy 
his desire for combat. 

By this adventurous and warlike life his love 
for his betrothed, Maria, gradually cooled. He 
neglected her and at ienght broke his promise 
at the same time by sending her a letter, con- 
taining the resignation of her hand. 

But no sooner had he dispatched this message, 
than he repented it and reproached himself. 

To silence the voice of his conscience, he 
tried to divert his mind by drinking, but that 
was of no avail. He mounted his horse, accom- 
panied by some cavaliers and departed for the 
chase 

The valley and the neighbouring forest was 
covered with the morning dew. It fell in drops 
from the flowers and the foliage of the trees, 
and glittered in the rays of the sun. Every 
thing seemed more beautiful than usual The 
knight rode joyfully on and entered the forest 
with his companions. The dogs sprang round 
the neighing horses. But soon their howling 
announced that a track had been found. 

The chase became wilder. The stag had 
made an opening in a thick foliage and dis- 
appeared in an underwood: the dogs pursued it. 
But Conrad, finding the wood too thick, took 
another path. Listening at the same time atten- 
tively to the dog's barking which suddenly died 



— 255 - 



away, lie found with anger, that he had lost the 
right path and had left the hunting-ground far 
behind him. 

Fatigued and discontented he stopped his 
horse to repose a little and then to rejoin the 
chase : but his intention was baffled by the 
appearance of an armed knight, who stopped 
before him and challenged him to a combat. 

.,Ah, rash being", exclaimed Conrad foaming 
with fury, „have you such an eager desire to 
die? Who are you? Up, with your visir!" 

„Not at all, Conrad!" replied a soft voice 
„I challenge you in Maria's name, whose brother 
I am!" 

The anger on account of the chase, the re- 
proach of his conscience and the unexpected 
challenge made Conrad furious; he turned his 
horse and rushed with naked sword at his ad- 
versary. His adversary sunk down from his 
horse, covering his bosom with his hands, from 
which the blood ran copiously. 

Seized by a sad foreboding Conrad hastened 
to the vanquished to take off his helmet. But 
how great was his terror, when he recognized 
in the eyes lifted up to him those of his beloved 
Maria, whom he had so shamefully abandoned 
and who now expired in his arms, giving him a 
look of love and forgiveness. 

Furious and in a state of madness he threw 



himself on the ground near the corpse, tore his 
hair and uttered curses against himself and his 
criminal deed. When his paroxysm was over, 
he knelt before his beloved and wept long and 
bitterly. It was night, when Conrad left the 
corpse and returned home. 

He arrived at Boppard pale and disfigured 
and all who saw him or were about to salute 
him, drew back, frightened by his distracted and 
terrible expression. 

Without speaking to anybody, he left the 
town on the following day and as he did not 
return, his servants sought through his apartment, 
where they found his last will, by which he had 
devoted his fortune to the erection of a convent 
on the site of Maria's tomb. 

Nobody knew, where Conrad had retired. 
Only after many years it was reported, that he 
had become one of the bravest and most daring 
templers and that he had been the first in the 
assault of Ptolomais, and who planted the christian 
flag on the battlements. But in doing so lie fell 
pierced by an arrow. 



L a h n e c k. 



elow Boppard , where the Lahn flows 
| into the Rhine, on one of the mountains 
| that border it, is the fortress of Lahn- 
eck, which through the last defeat of 
the order of Templars hears a sorrowful celebrity. 

It belonged to the Templars, who fortified it. 
A house of their order was to be found in every 
large town and especially near the Rhine. 

The order of the knight Templars was founded 
in 1118 by Godfrey of Bouillon for the protection 
of pilgrims and the defence of the Holy sepulchre. 
In a short time the order became renowned and 
spread all over the world. It was also an im- 
mensely rich order and was therefore envied and 
disliked by the clergy. 

Clemens the 5 th , whose politics were hostile 
to the Templars, was aided by Philip „le bel" 
and made an alliance with the king, to destroy 
the power of the order by a political stratagem. 




According- to this plan the grand-master 
Molay with sixty French knights was invited 
to a consulation and when they arrived, they 
■were perfidiously arrested, led before a tribunal, 
consisting of monks and priests and accused of 
heresy. After an imprisonment of many years, 
they were condemned to be burnt alive: the 
sentence vras executed on the 18 th March 1324 
and the grand-master eighty years of age "with 
sixty knights perished in the flames. When the 
grand-master mounted the pile of wood, he lifted 
up his hand to heaven and exclaimed with a 
hollo v and trembling voice: „In the name of the 
Holy Trinity I summon our murderers before the 
tribunal of God, to give account of the;, crime, 
which they are now about to commit. May God 
have mercy on us. 44 

The Templars died, but the summons was 
heard above, for in the same year the pope and 
the king died. 

Except in France, no other personal injustice 
was inflicted on the order. The pope abolished 
it with seizure of their properties, the greater- 
part of which fell to the share of ecclesiastical 
orders, but that was only the case in France. 

At this time lived Peter of Aichspalt, who 
occupied the archiepiscopal see of Mayence and 
as a favourite of the pope, he thought himself 
likewise obliged to oppress the Templars, He 



— 259 — 



ordered the knights to leave his dominions and 
threatened to expel them by force, if they did 
not depart. A great number of them obeyed, 
abjured their vow and sought their sustenance 
and welfare elsewhere. Some of the bravest 
threw themselves into the fortress of Lahneck 
and defied the summons of the archbishop, who 
sent troops, to drive them away. The knights 
fought valiantly and even, when their commander 
fell, they despised the summons to surrender and 
replied with contempt to the messengers, who 
exhorted them to lay down their arms. All perished 
expected one, who defended the entrance of the 
fortress. 

The besiegers wanted to spare him and granted 
him time for consideration. Then they summoned 
him, to surrender ; but he replied with a proud, 
daring refusal, pointing to his fallen brethren. 
The combat was about to begin again, but at 
this moment a messenger arrived in haste, and 
proclaimed a truce in the name of the emperor. 
They laid down their arms respectfully and the 
messenger addressed the last of the heroes 
saying : 

„ Surrender to me your arms, noble knight: 
I regret, to have arrived to late for the delive- 
rance of your brethren, but to the last of 
the brave I can offer safety for his life and 
property \ 

17* 



— 260 — 



j, Think of Molay and his murdered compa- 
nions; look at my fallen comrades," replied the 
Templar proudly , „I know no mercy, for as they 
perished, so will I!" 

Saying this, he rushed on the surprised enemy 
and pierced with wounds fell near his fallen 
brethren. 



Stolzenf els. 



ft was a stormy night, the rain poured 
down in torrents and the wind howled 
frightfully around the battlements of 
1 Stolzenfels, when a pilgrim knocked 
at the gate and was admitted by the treasurer 
of the archbishop, Werner of Falkenstein. 

The pilgrim's name was Maso, and he was 
a thin, gloomy looking man, whos dark beard 
flowed down to his waist and gave his face the 
expression of deep thought, bearing a strange 
■ contrast to the malicious and cunning expression 
of his eyes. 

In those times there were many, who studied 
Alchemy, Astrology and Magic, but particularly 
the first, 

Werner of Falkenstein, like his treasurer, 
followed this art and many pieces of gold they 
sacrificed to the crucible, but without any result. 
The pilgrim was admitted after having announced 
himself learned in the art of Alchymy. 




The treasurer prepared a room iu one of the 
towers and passed whole nights with him there. 
He had a daughter, who grew in all the beauty 
of maiden loveliness and who was the only com- 
fort of her father. She saw with secret anxiety 
the power the pilgrim had over her father and 
with pain and sorrow she perceived a great 
change in him. He now took no notice of her 
endearments and shut himself up in the room 
more than usual and when he left it, it was with 
dejected and gloomy looks. 

One day a messenger arrived at the castle 
with the news that the archbishop with some 
noblemen and knights were coming to remain a 
few days. 

With horror Elisabeth saw the impression this 
news made on her father, for he turned deadly 
pale and staggered back some paces and with 
difficulty resumed his wonted composure. Soon 
after this she perceived him striding hastily up 
and down his apartment , beating his forehead 
and weeping. She was about to rush in and 
try to comfort him, when he suddenly and with 
a frightful cry of despair fled into the mysterious 
room, the door of which he locked. 

The maid, driven by anguish, followed her 
father and remained stupefied at the door, hear- 
ing him uttering complaints and bitter reproaches. 
She could hardly suppress the scream of despair, 



— 263 — 



that was rising to her lips and with tottering 
limbs and aching head she leaned against the 
wall pressing her hands to her bosom, A grave 
and steady voice replied to the violent reproaches 
of the treasurer saying: 

„Bring hither a pure and stainless virgin, 
whose heart never knew love for man and you 
shall have gold. It is only your obstinacy, that 
made you fail till now!" 

Impostor! Wretch! Shall I pollute my hands 
by a murder ?" exclaimed the treasurer. „I have 
melted down my 7 fortune and honour and abused 
the confidence of my master and should I more- 
over shed innocent blood! Cursed be your de- 
luding art ! Give me my gold or I shall strangle 
you with my own hands!" 

„Only the heart's blood of a virgin can 
suffice; however if you wish it, I will try once 
mere!" 

5, Try! Try! I must have gold, and if I should 
go to perdition for it!" 

He then withdrew hastily, to cool his anger 
in the open air. 

The alchemist looked after him with a sardonic 
smile, which however soon disappeared, for he 
saw before him Elisabeth pale and her eyes filled 
with tears. 

„I have heard ail and I am the virgin, who 



for her father's sake, will sacrifice her life and 
"blood! 44 

Inflamed by his wild desire the pilgrim regarded 
her with covetous looks, but beeing master of 
the art of dissembling, he suddenly changed and 
became amiable and tender and was about to 
take her hand. 

She started back shuddering. 

„Don't touch me! a exclaimed she. „Your 
contact is profanation. Tell me, what I must do 
and I will run the dagger with my own hands 
into my breast!" 

The pilgrim turned away and an expression 
of revenge played about his features: he replied: 

..Beturn hither at midnight: I shall prepare 
the crucible for that hour and your father at 
sun-rise will have abundant riches and honour. 4 * 

„Can you swear that on the cross? 44 

The monk took out a little crucifix from his 
breast, turned towards her and said in a grave 
and solemn tone : 

„If you obey me and do every thing I tell 
yon, I swear that your father will become rich 
and honoured. 44 

„I shall come! 4, replied the maid with a light 
sigh withdrawing. 

The monk looked after her with a malicious 
smile, „Do you think to delude me, little dove! 44 



said lie murmuring. „I shall tame you, in spite 
of the cross, which has already rendered me 
excellent services !" and with a mischievous smile 
he pressed a secret spring and a dagger sprang 
forth. 

„A lucky thought", said he, „to join these 
two together! Hell in alliance with heaven!" 

In deep thought he replaced the dagger into 
its sheath and concealed the cross on his breast. 
Then he shut himself in, entered the adjoining 
room and loosened with a crow-bar a square stone 
from the floor. With a triumphant air he lifted 
up a leather-bag, opened it and let the pieces 
of gold, which it contained, glide with rapture 
through his fingers. 

„That is the secret of making gold!" said 
he. „The fools seek it in the crucible, but wise 
men know to take advantage of the harvest-time ! 
Come, my friends, whe shall to-day find an op- 
portunity of escape! The maid shall open my 
cell and with day-break I shall be in safety, 
before they think of pursuing.' 4 

During this soliloquy he fastened the leathern 
belt around his waist, replaced the stone and 
waited the night , which should be wittness of 
his shameful crime and flight! 

During this interval was a great stir and 
activity in the castle, the servants and knights 
entered with the baggage of the archbishop and 



unsaddled the foaming horses adraist talking and 
laughing; in the apartments the women -were 
occupied in cleaning. 

Elisabeth paie and sad superintended the ser- 
vants and surveyed their work; her father, who 
had returned from the alchymist with new hope 
now made the necessary arrangements for the 
reception of his sovereign, and when Elisabeth 
met him, he pressed her, full of love and hope 
on his breast and kissed her. He did not know, 
how vain his hopes were and seized like a drow- 
ning man at a straw. 

The archbishop soon made his appearance 
and the guns of welcome told he was near: he 
came with a brilliant train and the inmates of 
the castle hailed him with loud shouts. He replied 
to the salutations with kindness, and having 
alighted, he squeezed the hand of the treasurer. 
Arrived in the castle he expressed his wish to 
see Elisabeth and when her father presented 
her, he addressed the maid amicably: 

„Eh, how you have grown and I fear, that 
your beauty will fascinate many a heart!" 

Then he turned towards his knights with a 
jesting warning and presented rhem to her and 
many tender looks were directed to the maid, 
who blushing dared not lift her eyes. 

After some kind adresses the archbishop with- 
drew and entered his apartment. The young girl 



- 267 — 



unable longer to restrain her tears, retired to 
her room and deplored her unhappy fate. 

Among the knights was a descendant of the 
family of Westerburg, on whom the appearance 
of the beautiful girl had made a deep impression ; 
her image was always before his eyes and caused 
him a sleepless night. 

The moon shone and the nightingale warbled 
in the surrounding bushes. The knight stood at 
the window and looked down in the court-yard, 
where a deep silence reigned; he could see a 
part of the treasurer's apartments, one of which 
was inhabited by Elisabeth. 

The treasurer had bid his daughter good-night 
more tenderly than usual. 

„You are a good girl", said he, carressing 
her cheeks, „I shall be to-morrow as merry and 
kind as ever and delivered from the night-mare, 
which oppresses my heart!" 

He withdrew sighing to his apartment, in 
which he strode up and down in great ex- 
citement. 

The hour, at which Elisabeth should repair 
to the pilgrim, approached. 

She with a resolute air, seized the candle and 
went hastily to the alchymist, who at her entrance 
rose, laying down his books, in which he had 
seemed to be absorbed. 



The young knight, who watched the window 
of Elisabeth's room, perceived with surprise the 
light disappear and shortly after the maid wal- 
king through the court-yard to the most remote 
part of the castle. Impelled by curiosity and 
suspecting a mystery he stepped softly down and 
advanced towards the place, where Elisabeth had 
disappeared. Arrived there he detected a crack 
in a door, through which he peeped. 

He saw in the pilgrim's apartment the maid 
upon her knees, while the alchymist was bent 
over a pot, the contents of which he seemed to 
examine. 

Then you are firmly resolved, to do every 
thing, that I shall bid you?" asked he, casting 
a triumphant side-look at her. 

The maid replied in so low a tone, that the 
listener was unable to hear, what she said. 

„If that is the ease, I will reward your father 
and restore the gold, which he took from his 
own chest as well as from that of the archbishop. 
Honour for honour, blood for blood; thus declares 
the sacred book of science. If you sacrifice your 
honour, your father shall get honours and his 
name become glorious among the knights. If you 
sacriflice your blood, I can procure gold, which 
will preserve him from infamy. Prepare your- 
self for the sacrifice, for the spirit tells me, that 
your beauty shall not fade away thus!" 



- 269 - 



The knight perceived, trembling by fear and 
jealous}', the impudent pilgrim approaching the 
maid and casting" lustful looks at her. He was 
about to burst open the door, but he desisted, 
when he heard Elisabeth with a proud and noble 
air crying: 

<,Away ; impudent wretch! I came to sacrifice 
my blood for my father's welfare, but I shall 
suffer no insult, even for his sake!" 

The pilgrim turned aside shrugging his shoul- 
ders and spoke as if to himself: „I have no time 
to loose; open your bosom, fur the mixture 
clarifies. a He then drew with his little stick a 
magic circle and uttered some mysterious words, 
while the maid knelt down praying. Suddenly 
she seized the dagger, but in the same moment 
the door flew open and the knight rushed upon 
her, and disarmed her. The dagger sunk from 
her hands and she fainted. 

The pilgrim stood stupefied at the sight of 
the young knight. But. while the knight was 
occupied in assisting the maid, he profited 
the opportunity and escaped. 

Elisabeth gradually recovered her senses. Like 
one, haunted by a frightful dream, she tried to 
recollect herself and after having recognized her 
situation, she began to sob and shed a flood of 
tears. 

The consoling words of the young man fell, 



like balm upon her soul and inspired her with 
courage and confidence. She confessed to him 
all, for her heart was oppressed and she wished 
to discharge it of its load. When she ceased to 
speak and concealed her face bathed in tears on 
his breast, he bade her take heart, assuring her 
that he would assist her father in adversity and 
procure him the gold which he wanted. 

„Be of good heart!* 4 added he, „I rejoice, 
that a lucky chance has enabled me, to save you. 
I have found a treasure more estimable, than the 
alchymist can get. 

Elisabeth looked at him with eyes full of 
tenderness and gratitude and like one subdued 
by an invisible power, their lips met and they 
sealed their betrothal by a long and passionate 
kiss. 

The next day the hnight presented himself 
to the father, who heard with the greatest con- 
sternation, what had passed and the escape of 
the pilgrim, but when the knight confessed his 
love for Elisabeth, asking her hand and olfering 
him at the same time his purse, the heart of the 
treasurer swelled and he pressed, with tears of 
jojr, the noble and generous knight to his breast. 

The same day fishermen found a corpse in 
the Rhine, which was instantly recognized as 
that of the pilgrim. The gold, which was found 
in his belt, was delivered to the archbishop 



and as the treasuror sincerely confessed all what 
had occurred between him and the alchymist, 
who had misused his confidence, he returned him 
all the gold, which the treasurer had lost. 

Elisabeth received as a reward of her filial 
love and courage, which she had shown by offer- 
ing her life as a sacrifice for her father a rich 
wedding-present and lived happily with her be- 
loved husband to an old age. 




Ha mm erst ei n. 



IPi^^^ omit Otto of Hammer stein was the last 
ll §Sl|Ni I ot ^ iat f >am ^y an ^ ^'itl'i him that il- 
! ifeJllSj ^ ustr 'i° lIS n&nie died in the eleventh 

' ; century. He was in war with the 

archbishop of Erkenbold, because the latter had 
anulled, at the synod of Nymwegen, without the 
consent of either the counts marriage. The count 
and his wife Irmengard took little notice of the 
archbishop's unjust act. But the emperor Henry 
the second, to whom the clergy gave the surname 
of the Saint, because he had favoured it in every 
manner and let himself be guided by the priests, 
marched with an army against the count, who 
insisted upon remaining with his wife and not 
leaving his children. The emperor besieged 
the fortress, which could only be conquered by 
famine. 

After the death of Otto. Hammerstein fell to 
the emperor. The emperor gave it to the arch- 
bishops of Cologne, 



In the year of 1105 the old castellain was 
sitting in the best room of the castle. Near him 
at the left side of the high, massive arm-chair of 
oak, which had become black by age, hung his 
trusty sword, while at his right sat a noble dog, 
whose head reposed on the knees of his master. 
The merry old man had before him on the table 
a bowl of excellent Rhenish wine, while his two 
daughters tried to cheer him by their merry, 
childish love. 

„ Bring your sister's harp you puss, that she 
may sing us one of her romances ! " exclaimed 
the father and the lively shild rose quickly, to 
fetch the instrument which she gave to her dark- 
eyed and thoughtful sister* 

After having tuned it, her delicate fingers ran 
over the strings and she then accompanied her 
rich and pathetic voice to the following words: 

Wherefore are your thoughts from here, 
Beloved one tell me why? 
Wherefore in that eve a tear? 
To glory you will fly — ? 

Is not the sun as bright to you, 
Are not it's rays as warm? 
Have not the flowers a splendid hue, 
And am I not your own? 

Eestless has your spirit grown, 

So great your thirst for fame; 

Remain where peace you've always known; 

Seek not a hero's name. — 

18 



— 274 — 



„ Yes, yes I" said her father sighing, „that 
is a charming song, but noth withstanding its 
beauty, it saddens the heart. It is true, I love 
you both, but I wish, that you wore jackets 
instead of petticoats and could manage the sword 
instead of the spinning-wheel. Indeed, if I had 
a son, I would be the happiest father. 44 

„And what hinders you, to be so?" said the 
eldest softly, putting her delicate hands on the 
large browsy fists of her father. He looked 
tenderly at his charming daughter, whose sweet 
eyes were fixed on him and as if angry with 
himself, he cast down his eyes and said sighing : 

„You are right, girl! It is folly to desire 
things we cannot have!" 

„Only wait, father!" said the merry fair one, 
„I will put on a jacket, take a lance and go 
fighting, like a true knight! You will live, to 
see my name renowned and at night I will take 
the lute, stand before the window of my sweet- 
heart and serenade her!" and then she warbled 
a charming love-song and danced through the 
room with such a roguish air that a looker on 
could not have helped admiring her. But she 
stopped suddenly and " listened, for she heard a 
violent knock at the door. The dog started up 
barking and growling. 

„ Two pilgrims, who claim hospitality, are 
without!" announced the servant. 



„Let them enter*, said the castellain, „nobody 
shall pass by this castle without having refreshed 
himself, as long I have a glass of vine and a 
bit of bread in store! 14 

The servant withdrew and opened the gate. 
Soon after two strangers entered the apartment, 
a young and an old man. The castellain rose 
to receive them: but when he approached nearer 
and perceived the altered features of the old one, 
who let his hood fall back. He fell upon his 
knees, exclaiming: 

„My lord and emperor!" 

..Yes, yes", said Henry (Henry the fourth, 
vho had escaped from the prison, where his son 
detained him by the advice of the archbishops), 
..it is your emperor, dear friend, vrho comes as 
fugitive, to claim your hospitality!* 

M As fugitive!" cried the castellain with grief 
and surprise. 

-As fugitive!" repeated the emperor, „an 
enemy dared to insult me and imprison an infirm 
old man!" 

„Ha ! Who is the wretch, that dared to com- 
mit such a crime against his old and venerable 
emperor?" asked the castellain with a loyal 
passion and stretching out his hand towards his 
sword, which hung by him. 

r My son, my own son:** replied the unfor- 

18* 



fcunate father, covering* his face with both hands 
and weeping bitterly. 

aTour own son!* 4 stammered the castellain 

„ Thank God, brave friend, that you have no 
sons and that your good daughters cheer your 
old age. Oh, how joyfull would I change my 
lot for yours!" 

The emperor remained in the castle some days 
and the castellain accompanied him to Cologne, 
where other faithful subjects received him. Grief 
and many humiliations, which he had to endure, 
soon brought him to the grave. 

The castellain often remembered the emperor's 
words and he wished for nothing more, than 
to be able to live and enjoy the society of his 
charming daughters. 



Roianclseck & Nonnenwerth. 



pposite Drachenfels is the castle of 
Eolandseck and below them on an island 
in the Rhine, is the conven t of Nonnen- 
j werth. 

Roland, a brave knight, nephew of Charles 
the great, whose valorous deeds were sung by 
the poets, was riding one day for pleasure on 
the banks of the Rhine and claimed the hospi- 
tality of the lord of Drachenfels. 

Scarce had he told his name, than the lord 
of the castle, whose exploits were known and 
praised in ail Christendom, came to meet him. 

The ladies received the amiable and renowned 
guest with as much cordiality as the lord. 
Especially the daughter, who looked at him for a 
moment and cast down her eyes quickly, as a deep 
blush covered her face ; the eyes of Roland were 
on her with rapture and admiration. 

Like one, awaking from a blissful dream, 
he obeyed the bidding of the lord, to put oft 
his armour and even when he was alone in his 




— 27S — 



awn room the image the lovely and modest 
maid hovered before his eves. 

The hero remained some days in the castle 
and felt himself more and more fascinated by 
the maidenly beauty and purity. Happy was he 
"when sitting' near her at her work-table he could 
perceive, with what dexterity her tender fingers 
managed the needle, and embroidered arabesques 
or flowers of the most glowing colours on the linen. 

Only, when the mother or the maid, especially 
the latter, wath a rash and timid regard, asked 
him, to relate some tales, the v/ords flowed from 
his lips. He became eloquent about the lovely 
countries, where he had lived and combated. 
Then his cheeks gloowed, his eyes sparkled and 
the maid regarded him with enthusiasm, till his 
eyes met hers and then she blushingly would 
resume her w r ork. Roland was roused from this 
blissful revery by the war, which summoned all 
the knights away. 

Roland could not resist the call of duty, but 
he recognized with deep grief, what high bliss 
he must leave behind. With a bleeding heart 
he went once more to all the favourite places 
where he had passed such happy moments at 
her side. An irresistible curiosity drew him 
towards a bower of honey-suckle, from w T here 
loud sobbing was audible. When he had en- 
tered, he perceived the beautiful maid sitting 



on a mossbank weeping bitterly. He knelt down 
before her and she let her head fall on his shoul- 
der. They spoke not a word ; both knew T too 
well, what passed in their hearts. And Roland 
pressed his beloved to his bosom, kissing away 
the tears from her eyes 

„I shall return", said he in a low tune, „and 
we shall then be united for ever." 

The maid did not reply, but Roland under- 
stood her silence and pressed her tenderly to his 
breast. The betrothal was celebrated without 
any show or splendour and a few days after 
Roland departed. From time to time they heard 
reports of glorious victories, which Roland had 
gained and soon the news of the defeat of the 
enemy arrived. Bonfires w r ere lighted on the 
summits of the surrounding hills. 

But at Drachenfels silence and sadness reigned, 
for with the news of the victory arrived likewise 
that of Roland's death and in the castle were to 
be seen pale and sad faces and tearful eyes. 

As deeply as love had taken root in the maid's 
heart as deep and intense was her grief, when 
she heard the news of Roland's death. 

Her religious and melancholy charakter gave 
her consolation in prayer and with the firm 
belief of meeting her beloved again in heaven, 
she resolved to wait for that happy moment in 
a convent. 



The parents allowed her, though with regret, 
to perform her resolution. 

Every morning the afflicted parents looked 
down from the ramparts of their castle into the 
convent and there saw their daughter, who always 
waved her hand to them and then withdrew to 
the chapel. 

One day however a joyful activity reigned in 
the castle, for a troop of knights appeared at 
the foot of the rock. The gate was opened and 
Eoland joyfully entered with his soldiers, but the 
smile upon his lips disappeared at once, when he 
heard, that his betrothed had taken the veiL 

„We believed the report of your death true 44 , 
said the father, „and suffered her to enter the 
convent/ 

A cry of despair issued from the knight's lips 
and he covered his face with both hands and 
allowed his feelings to unman him. 

At lenght and as if driven by despair, he 
mounted on horseback and rode to the oder side 
of the Rhine. 

Opposite to Drachenfels stood the castle of 
Eolandseck. The hero remained there some weeks 
and abandoned himself to his grief. 

One evening, when he was looking at the 
convent, he heard the bells tolling and saw a 
funeral procession of nuns carrying a coffin to 
the chapel 



With a sad presentiment Roland offered up 
a prayer and wept bitterly. His page soon after 
entered and when he perceived his master still 
weeping, he tried to console him and said softly : 

„Sir, the countess of Drachenfels is dead!" 

„I know it!" replied Roland. „Saddie my 
horse and let us depart, so that I may soon 
join her!" 

The knight still performed many brave deeds 
and at ienght he fell in a combat with the Moors 
in Spain, attaining the aim, which he so ardently 
desired. 



Frederick and Gela. 



n the 12 th century the fortress near 
Gelnhausen stood in all its majesty and 
splendour, where now only ruins are to 
be seen. It was the favourite residence 
of the young prince Frederick, a descendant of 
the emperor Barbarossa, wiio passed the happiest 
days of his youth there. 

The castellain, a vererable old man, who 
loved the young prince with fatherly tenderness, 
had two beautiful and graceful daughters, one 
of whom, named Gela, had inflamed the heart of 
the young duke. 

One day, meeting the maid and finding himself 
no longer master of his feeling, he took her hand 
declared his love and left her abruptly. He passed 
some days, between fear and hope. All his ende- 
avours to meet his beloved again, were in vain, 
for she avoided him as much as possible. 

Grieved at not having seen Gela and fearing, 
that he had acted too rashly, he went one after- 




— 283 — 

noon into the fields and was joyfully surprised, 
to meet the pretty maid gathering flowers. 

She was about to run away, but when she 
perceived the sorrowful mien of the young man, 
she stopped, offered him her hand and said with 
down-cast eyes and blushing cheeks : 

„I love you, Frederick and I shall wait for 
you this evening in the church!" 

Then she went away, leaving him to his 
happiness. 

In the evening Frederick hastened to the 
church. Hours passed away, and at last Gela 
arrived with light steps, sat down at his side 
and suffered him to press her passionately to his 
breast. The happy pair felt all the bliss of pure 
and sincere love. 

Many months passed and every night the 
young lovers met before the altar. 

But their happiness was not to continue. The 
noise of war was heard throughout Germany and 
many knights were decorated with the cross. 
Frederick also wished to go with the crusaders. 
When he communicated his resolution to Gela, 
she encouraged his desire and told him to depart 
to gain laurels in the holy war. 

Frederick soon after took leave of her and 
departed. 

As an experienced warrior and covered with 
glory he returned and hastened to meet his be- 



— 284 — 



loved Geia, to whom lie had been faithful and 
was now resolved to many. 

But instead of her embraces he received a 
letter. After having read it, he stood stupified 
and shed hot tears. 

„ Frederick", wrote the maid, you are duke 
and must many a princess of your own rank* 
I retire to a convent, to keep my love for you 
pure and un violated. " 

Even when Frederick had been crowned 
emperor, he did not forget Gela and her sincere 
love. He carried her letter with him in all his 
campaigns and it never left his side during his 
whole life. 

In remembrance of the lovely Gela he built 
the town of Gelashausen, now Gelnhausen. 



Dracheniels. 



1th the flight of thought and on the 
wings of imagination I lead my reader 
back to Drachenfels. 
The castle is, as we mentioned be- 
fore, situated on the highest mountain of the 
„Siebeiigebirg tt and very often the clouds obscure 
it from the sight. 

The following tradition gives us the history 
of its origin. 

Once a wild and terrible dragon inhabited 
a cavern of the mountain and ravaged the neigh- 
bourhood. The consternation and horror, which 
this monster created in the whole country, was 
increased by a war. which broke out between 
the Christian tribes and their heathenish neigh- 
hours. But the God of war favoured the heathens 
and they returned victorious into their country, 
laden with booty and a great number of prisoners, 
among whom was a very beautiful maid of noble 
origin. The chief of the victorious parry wished 
to possess her, but it was especially the good 




and humane Ottfried, who had been infatuated 
by her beauty. When the booty was being dis- 
tributed, every one wanted to possess the maid. 
To prevent all quarrel they asked the Priestess 
of night to decide the maid's fate. 

„If the beauty of the prisoner is such, that 
she creates hatred and enmity amongst us, nobody 
shall possess her and she must be given to the 
dragon! 44 replied the priestess. 

No one dared to oppose this sentence. Ottfried 
was deeply moved and seized by despair, when the 
maid was led to the cavern, where the dragon was. 

The people waited with horror und curiosity, 
to see the end of the spectacle. 

The maid advanced with firm and resolute 
steps towards the cavern, the dragon crept forth 
and looked at the frightened maid with his small 
eyes; then amidst the cries of the spectators it 
rushed on the victim, but suddenly fell, as if 
struck by lightning, at her feet. 

The crowd was filled with wonder and sur- 
prise and the maid stood pale and trembling, 
but Ottfried stood before her and had plunged 
his sword into the monster, which lay dead at 
their feet. 

The assembled people shouted with joy, when 
they saw, what had happened. All hastened to 
the place and carried the maid and her deliverer 
in triumph home, where even his rivals congra- 



Mated Ottfried for having saved the charming 
rnaid by such a courageous deed. 

When the multitude had retired, Ottfried as- 
ked the still terrified maid: 

„ What gave you the strenght, to go to meet 
that monster and to be so firm and courageous, 
when you saw it ? The most valiant trembled at 
the sight and the bravest men would not have 
performed, what you a frail, tender woman, did!" 

The maid drew a cross from her bosom and 
presented it to him, saying: 

„This cross is the talisman, which makes me 
strong and courageous, for he, who believes on 
Him, who hung on it, fears neither death nor 
grave!" 

Ottfried regarded the cross with astonishment 
but when the maid had explained every thing to 
him he believed and was baptized. 

The maid gave her hand to her deliverer, 
for whom she felt love and gratitude. Ottfried 
built the castle of Drachenfels to his wife's honour 
and made his subjects happy. 



Stromberg. 




in his journey to the holy land Diether 
I of Schwarzeneck remained in the 
castle of Argenfels and became ena- 
1 monred with Bertha, the youngest 
and beautiful daughter of the count. 

He departed from Argenfels with the firm 
resolution, that, "when he returned, he "would 
marry the lovely maid, whose favour he had 
gained during his sojourn at Argenfels. 

The knight was taken prisoner by the Saracens 
at Ptoiomais. 

He passed many tedious and miserable days, 
thinking of his house and his love. He made 
a vow, to erect a chapel, if heaven would grant 
him his liberty. 

His fervent prayer was heard. One day his 
gaolers seemed more busy and alarmed than usual. 
A clashing of arms was heard, mingled with the 
Allah of the Moors. 

The knight passed some hours in anxious 



— 289 — 



expectation. At lenglit the prison's door opened 
and a troop of crusaders entered and broke his 
chains. After his deliverance Dither still fought 
in many battles and then returned home. 

Arrived on the banks of the Rhine he hastened 
to Argenfels to see his beloved. But instead of 
the castle he saw with horror nothing but ruins. 
A shepherd told him, that a band of robbers 
had attacked, plundered and destroyed the castle. 

The boy knew not, what had become of the 
daughters, but he assured the knight, thai they 
had been saved, as he did not see them among 
the prisoners. 

Sad and dejected Diether went to his castle 
changed his knight's dress for a pilgrim's coat 
and travelled in this disguise through the country. 

Fatigued and weary after a long journey he 
arrived one day at a hermitage near Stromberg 
and resolved to claim the hospitality of the hermit. 
But what was his surprise , when he perceived 
instead of a man, a beautiful maid, kneeling 
before a cross of wood and absorbed in fervent 
prayer. He stopped respectfully and waited for 
the conclusion of the prayer. When the maid 
at lenght rose, he went to meet and salute her ; 
but when he looked at her, he cried with sur- 
prise and rapture: „Bertha, my dear Bertha!" 
and fell at her feet. 

Bertha received her lover with kindness and 

19 



— 290 - 



pressed him to her bosom. Her sister, attracted 
by the shouts of joy, came and congratulated 
the knigth. 

Diether learnt in the course of the evening 
that an enemy of their father had profided by 
the emperor's absence, had attacked Argenfels 
and burnt it. 

Their father had been killed in pursuing the 
robbers and they had escaped by a subterranean 
passage and took refuge in the hermitage, where 
they now were. 

After their father's death they had resolved 
to pass their days in solitude. „But now," inter- 
rupted Diether, „you must renounce this plan 
and follow me to my castle. Bertha, know, that 
without you I can't live!" 

Bertha pressed his hand tenderly and sunk 
on his breast. But her pious sister declared, 
that she would remain in the hermitage. 

Diether executed his vow and built a chapel 
on the mountain of Stromberg. But long before 
it was finished, Bertha became his happy wife, 
The two lived many years in undisturbed hap- 
piness, esteemed and beloved by every one, 




Treu enfels. 



hoever has travelled through the roman- 
tic valleys of the w Siebengebirg a , must 
know the mountain of Treuenfels, on 
which is to be seen an altar with the 
name of „Liba" on it. The other letters are 
illegible and the chapel enclosing the altar is 
now a ruin. 

The knight Balther, who possessed a castle 
in the „Siebengebirg u , had given his daughter 
Liba to the young knight Schott of Grimstein 
and waited calmly and happily for the close of 
his life. 

At this time Engelbert I. occupied the episcopal 
see of Cologne and governed his country with a 
paternal care and great wisdom. He was very 
charitable to the poor, amended the laws and 
favoured the citizenship, by energetically restrain- 
ing the usurpation of the nobility. 

So it was no wonder, that the archbishop 
was hated as much by the nobility, as he was 
beloved by the citizens. 

13* 




Knight Balther, though he was not addicted 
to robbery, like many of his fellow-knights, still 
abhorred the arrangements and admonitions of 
the archbishop and thought the privileges, granted 
to the citizens, as an insult to the credit and 
honour of knighthood. 

He spoke with harsh words about Engelbert 
and as his castle was frequented by many visi- 
tors, his bitter remarks contributed, to increase 
the discontentment. 

One evening, as he was conversing on the 
same subject, in the presence of a great many 
knights, he grew angry about a new decree from 
the archbishop. Vainly one of the knights con- 
tradicted him, representing the great power of 
the prelate, which could not be resisted. The 
old man growing more furious exclaimed: 

„If you were true men, you would join your 
forces and make an alliance against this arro- 
gant priest, and stop Lis presumption. If I had 
met such a one in my youth, I would have shown 
him, that knighthood will not suffer to be insul- 
ted, but you are insipid individuals and miserable 
cowards!" 

After the old man's angry speech the knights 
looked down in gloomy silence, as if they seemed 
to be weighing the chances of so perilous an 
undertaking. At last a knight rose, took a gob- 
let and cried: 



— 293 — 



„ Friends and noblemen, knight Baltlier is 
right; if we made an alliance, we would be 
powerful enough, to keep this arrogant prelate 
in check. Those, who are of my opinion, take 
the goblet and pledge alliance and fidelity against 
our enemy! 

The goblets were filled and lifted ; the knights 
pledged their honour and fidelity, for the words 
had inflamed all hearts. 

The knights after having left the castle of 
Balther, endered into a conspiracy against the 
archbishop, waylaid and murdered him one even- 
ing, when he was returning from a short journey. 

This atrocious deed excited horror and revenge, 
The assassins were by the emperor's order's per- 
sued and arrested. All the inquiries and proofs 
accused Balther as the chief of the conspirators 
and the emperor instantly dispatched troops, to 
take the knight prisoner and demolish his castle. 

The troops approached and set fire to the 
castle before any one was aware of it. Liba 
hastened to her father, rescued him from the 
flames and fled with him through a subterranean 
passage to a thick forest. 

There she lived in solitude with her father, 
whose eye-sight began to fail more and more 
every day. She took care of him with filial 
tenderness and sought berries and herbs for his 
sustenance. Wandering through the forest, they 



— 294 - 



arrived at a cave, into which Liba led her father, 
who had become quite blind. She prepaied a 
couch of fresh moss for him. 

Often, when she sat near him, the old man 
would take her head between his hands and kiss 
her hair tenderly and offer up a prayer. 

He felt his guilt deeply, but he complained 
only for his daughter's sake whom he had, by 
his inconsiderate behaviour, rendered so unhappy. 

One day they were sitting on the rock, en- 
joying the warm rays of the sun ; the maid knelt 
before her father, whose hands played with her 
ringlets or caressed her soft cheeks, when sud- 
denly the noise of steps was heard. Liba star- 
ted and trembled, when she perceived behind 
the bushes the tall figure of a hunter. 

„Schott!" the maid wanted to cry, but the 
name died on her lips, for it seemed to her, as 
if the spirit of revenge approached in the person 
of her lover. A flood of tears gushed from her 
eyes and she began to pray, with hands uplifted 
to heaven: 

„Oh God, if we have committed a sin, for- 
give us end our punishment ! a 

„Amen!" added her old father, folding his 
hands fervently in prayer. 

Just then a flash of lightning darted from a 
cloud and seemed to strike the rock ; the thunder 
echoed hollowly through the mountains. Schott 



— 295 — 



of Griinstein, who had seen the lightning and 
was anxious to see, where it fell, perceived with 
terror the corpses of his beloved and her father. 

Seized by awe and respect for the decress 
of Providence he sunk down upon his knees and 
prayed. 

The All-mighty had heard their prayer and 
delivered them from a painful life. 

Schott of Griinstein buried the corpses on the 
place, where he met them and erected a chapel,, 
on the altar of which was written the name of 
Liba. The rock, where the maid remained and 
took snch tender care of her father, received the 
name „Treuenfels". 



Alt en-Ahr. 



in the river Ahr stand the ruins of a 
; castle, of which the following tradition 
I is related. 

1 The last count of Alten-Ahr had two 
beautiful daughters, who were as lovely and 
affectionate, as noble and courageous ; they chee- 
red the old age of their father ; who often said, 
he would sooner die, than lose his daughters. 

One day two messengers entered the castle 
from opposite sides. 

The old count received them and heard their 
messages. He read the letter with a troubled 
and anxious countenance. Then he repaired to 
the apartment of his daughters and delivered to 
each of them a letter. They read, blushed and 
looked at their father with a doubtful air. 

„Well, my daughters", asked he, „what shall 
I reply to the messengers?" 

„Can you ask?" exclaimed the elder one, 
„The daughter of the count of Alten-Ahr is too 
proud, to give her hand to a robber!" 




- 297 — 



..And your" said the knight to his youngest. 

She threw her arms round his neck, saying: 

„Fathei\ my answer is the same as Rosa's." 

.J thank you. my children. These knights 
are robbers. They will besiege us, but better 
to die, than make an alliance with such fellows." 

He tore the letters, delivered the pieces to 
the messengers and bade them withdraw. 

Some days after the same messengers deli- 
vered a declaration of war and a little later a 
troop of soldiers approached and surrounded the 
castle. 

The count assembled his men, who were 
experienced soldiers and entirely devoted to him; 
he assembled them in the hall of his ancestors 
and entered it, accompanied by his two daughters. 

^Soldiers and friends!" said he, „the knights, 
who are encamped before the castle, asked for 
the hands of my daughters, who refused them. 
Do you think, that they were right and do you 
prefer death with us, than to surrender the castle 
or will you leave us and join the enemy?" 

„We prefer death", exclaimed the soldiers 
unanimously. 

„Then we will fight bravely and not surren- 
der at any price !" 

But the besiegers, who knew the strength 
of the fortress, would not attak it, but resolved 
to subdue the castle by famine. 



— 293 — 



Weeks passed and at last there were no 
more provisions. 

The count assembled his soldiers again and 
addressed them: 

„ Friends, the provisions are exhausted and 
we have no other chance, than to risk a sally; 
if we don't suceeed, we must starve. I give you 
permission to leave the castle." 

„No, no! We prefer death!" cried all. 

.Well then, prepare for action!" 

The sally failed. Those, who returned pre- 
pared with great resignation for death. Fever 
and famine raged in the castle and soon the old 
knight stood at the side of his daughter's corp- 
ses, surrounded by a few of his men. He put- 
on his armour, descended to the stable, saddled 
his favourite steed, mounted it and rode in full 
gallop to the rampart of the castle. 

„May our curses come upon you and I con- 
quer you in death!" 

Saying this he spurred his noble steed and 
leaping over the rampart, he plunged into the 
flood of the Ahr, which like a silver-string winds 
through the rich fields. Knight and steed peris- 
hed. The enemy, who witnessed this heroic 
death, struck with awe and fear, fled. 

The troops, who were sent to his succour, 
arrived too late. They broke open the gate and 



— 299 - 



penetrated into the castle, where they saw 
nothing but corpses. 

Seized by awe and grief at this horrid sight, 
they withdrew, for a reverence to the dead de- 
tained them from taking possession of a place, 
the inhabitants of which had died with such 
heroic resignation. 

The castle was never inhabited again. It 
served only as tomb for the last descendants 
of the family of Alten-Ahi\ 

The two robbers, the authors of this crime, 
were vanquished and thrown into a dungeon, 
where they died. Their castles were demolished 
and their escutcheons destroyed. 



Cologne. 



e deeply regret, not knowing the name 
of that highly gifted man, who con- 
ceived the plan of that glorious and 
gigant structure, the cathedral of 
Cologne. 

The following tradition gives an account of 
the architect of the dome, who had for many 
years been a gloomy and pensive man; his whole 
mind was absorbed by the reading of books and 
making plans on parchment. 

The aim of all his offorts was to erect a 
magnificent building, but till now he had sought 
in vain to gather his ideas and to form a plan. 
All what he had found and imagined, could not 
satisfy him. 

Tormented by impatience and as if in fever, 
he threw himself on his couch and soon the differ- 
ent plans which he had formed and rejected 
danced before his excited imagination and see- 
med to mock him. One plan only remained 
covered with an impenetrable veil and when the 




master tried to lift it, the parchment glided from 
his hands and an old idea, often rejected, met 
his eager eye. 

Almost frantic the master followed the veiled 
image, which beckoned to him and led him to a 
rock, covered by the shadows of night. Then 
the veil dropped and with a shout of joy the 
master was about to seize the drawing but it 
suddenly disappeared. 

With great anxiety and covered by a cold 
perspiration, the dreamer awoke. His heart 
throbbed, but his mind was quiet and clear and 
he was sure, that he had caught the wonderful 
plan, at which he aspired for so many years. 

„Oh a ; exclaimed he with grief, why does the 
plan not appear again! 0, that I might see it 
once more!" 

He seemed to hear a noise in a remote corner 
of the apartment. A gray mist rose. Frightened 
and fearing mischief, the master wanted to rise, 
but a light laugh detained him and he saw 
Satan before him, with a mischievous, triumphant 
smile on his lips. 

„ Would you be content, if I showed you the 
picture once more ? u said he laughing sardonically 
at the alarmed master, who exclaimed passionately : 

„Let me see it and I will give you. what you 
demand." 



„0h ; I demand very little! Only sign this 
paper and you shall have the plan!" 

The architekt took it with trembling hesitation, 
for the letters glowed like fire, but when he 
read it. he started back, crying: 

..Wretch! Away with thee! You demand two 
souls, mine and that of the first, who enters the 
church! Mine you may have, but another shall 
not perish through me!" 

.Farewell then: you shall never discover the 
plan!" 

The devil put the veiled parchement in his 
breast, at the same time lifting the veil a little 
so that the master could see a part of the plan. 
He stared with anxious and longing looks at 
the picture, and overpowered by ambition and 
curiosity the master seized the parchment, which 
he had rejected. „Stop! Don't take it! I give 
you my soul and even some years sooner, than 
you agreed/' 

„No, no! Signor. farewell!" 

The devil pretended to go, but the architect 
detained him: the devil stopped, gave him the 
parchment and after he had signed it, he received 
the plan. 

Many years had passed since that night and 
the construction of the cathedral was so far ad- 
vanced, that it could receive the first consecration. 

The architect was extolled by every one. The 



— 303 



archbishop received him at his court and the noble- 
men thought themselves honoured to he able to 
converse with him. His name was on every lip 
and his renown seemed as sure as the foundation 
of his building. 

He was indifferent to all praises and gloomy 
and silent in all the festivities given to his hon- 
our and as the time of the consecration approached, 
a deadly anxiety came over him and robbed him 
of his sleep. 

The citizens shook their heads and shrugged 
their shoulders, when they saw him, running 
through the streets, like a restless spectre. 
Mysterious rumours spread about and when at 
last they reached the archbishop's ears, he resolved 
to question him on the subject. 

The architect, who could no longer endure 
the stings of his conscience, moved by the kind 
words of the archbishop, revealed to him with 
tearful eyes the mystery, which lay like a burden 
on his heart. 

When he had finished, the prelate knelt down 
and prayed : the architect, who also tried to pray, 
could not, violent sobs only issued from his breast 
and died on his lips in forced laughter. 

„ You have grievously sinned", said the arch- 
bishop, rising; „not only against your own soul, 
but also against the salvation of annother. Go 
home and implore the mercy of God. I also 



- 304 — 



shall pray for you and perhaps God will forgive 
you and reveal to me, how we can avert the 
evil/ 

Pale and distracted the master tottered home 
and tried to do as the prelate bid him. But 
it seemed to him, as if heaven were shut against 
him and that the power of hell had made him 
dumb. With a cry of despair he threw the prayer- 
book into a corner, beat his breast and fore-head 
and fell senseless on the ground. 

The alarm of the citizens of Cologne can easily 
be imagined, when they heard, that the first 
person, who entered the cathedral, should become 
a prey to the devil. They avoided with horror 
the master's house and dared not even pronounce 
his name, as if that would already put them in 
connexion with Satan. 

The finished part of the cathedral like all 
the surrounding ground stood deserted and aban- 
doned. The people spoke with sorrow of the 
desecrated work and the archbishop bethought 
himself of how the shadow which rested on it, 
could be removed. It was at this time that an 
ill renowned woman awaited her sentence in the 
archbishop's prison. Scarce had she heard of his 
perplexity and that of the citizens, than she offered 
to be the first to enter the cathedral, on condi- 
tion, that she should receive her freedom. 

The offer of this notorious sinner was reported 



to the archbishop, who after a long deliberation 
with his counsellors resolved to accept it. 

On the day of consecration the whole clergy, 
the nobles and citizens, men, women and 
children flocked to the dome, to witness the 
strange spectacle. 

After the multitude had waited impatiently 
for a long time, the gate of the archbishop's 
prison was opened and six men, who were 
scarcely able to stifle their laughter, appeared 
carrying a large covered box. 

The bells tolled and the multitude, knowing, 
that the devil's victim was in the box, avoided 
it as much a possible. 

At lenght the procession moved on. Behind 
the chest walked monks with holy water, who 
sprinkled it: then followed the choristers and 
priests and last of all the archbishop surrounded 
by the nobility and an immense crowd of people 
followed. 

When the procession had arrived at the ca- 
thedral, the archbishop read a prayer, the last 
words of which were repeated by the clergy. 
After the prayer two men opened the church 
door, and keeping a little distance off, the chest 
was opened and a female crawled forth on hands 
and knees; no sooner had she entered the church, 
when she was seized upon by Satan, who with 

20 



a horrible noise broke her neck and then fled, 
uttering* fearful veils. 

The archbishop fell on his knees as well as 
the multitude, Satan instantly flew to the house of 
the architect, and fled with his soul to hell. 

No sooner had Satan disappeared, than a 
female stepped out of the chest and entered the 
church, where she knelt down praying with 
uplifted eyes to heaven. 

The archbishop, recognizing', that the exorcism 
had proved successful, entered the cathedral with 
Alielujahs and the people followed with shouts 
of joy. 

The servants carried from the dome the 
carcass of a pig, enveloped in a woman's gown, 
which had been sacrificed to Satan. The poor 
architect was found sitting at his table, horribly 
disfigured and with his neck broken, the fatal 
plan before him and his prayer-book thrown in 
a corner. 

He was buried privately. But the woman, 
who had cheated the devil, entered a convent, 
for the sight of the prince of hell had been a 
little too much for her conscience. 



The lion-slayer. 




|t the town-hall of Cologne are to be seen 
two pictures, which remind us of the 
heroic deed of the burgomaster Gryn. 
The history of the Rhenish towns 
is one constant struggling of the citizens against 
the oppression of their spiritual despots. 

One of those tyrants was Conrad of Hoch- 
stetten, a proud and ambitious priest, who in 
the year 1237 occupied the archiepiscopal see of 
Cologne after the assassination of Engelbert L 
Conrad brought his despotism so far, that his 
citizens took arms against him under the com- 
mand of Matthew of Overstolz. 

Conrad marched with his troops against the 
rebels and was shamefully defeated. Still more 
inflamed against those, who had dared to brave 
him, he swore revenge, but was now more prudent ; 
he tried to obtain by cunning, what he could 
not by force. He succeeded to set the citizens 
at yariance and to seize the reins of the government. 

20* 



— 308 — 



His successor Engelbert II. followed in his 
foot-steps. He fortified his town still more and 
filled it with troops. 

Now the citizens saw, that they had been 
shamefully cheated, but the military forces, 
which the archbishop displayed, intimidated 
them; although murmuring at his commands, 
they had to obey. But as the government of 
the archbishop became more and more tyran- 
nical, Eberhard, a, resolute, enterprizing man, 
summoned his fellow-citizens, to unite themselves 
and fight against the despot. 

The burgomaster Gryn joined the noble 
Eberhard and like a fire-brand the desire of 
liberty inflamed every heart. The alarm-bell was 
rung and with its sounds mingled the clashing 
of arms and the war-cry of the citizens. 

Cologne became a battle-field. The tyrant 
was vanquished and turned out of the town. 

The furious prelate assembled an army and 
marched towards Cologne. He was obliged to 
negociate and recognize the rights of the citizens. 
Engelbert made his entrance at Cologne. He 
assembled the chiefs of the town and took them 
perfidiously prisoners in his palace, which was 
directly surrounded by his troops. At the same 
time his brother sent a considerable armed force 
to Cologne, but the citizens, being aware of it, 



— 309 — 



rushed on them, broke open the gates of the 
palace and took the perfidious priest prisoner. 

By the protection of a high person he was 
set at liberty but with the condition, that he 
never would molest the town again. 

The archbishop never thought of keeping his 
word. On the contrary he reflected upon the 
means to triumph ; like his predecessor by cun- 
ning and before all to render the valiant burgo- 
master powerless ; for he knew, that he was the 
chief leader of the citizens. 

For the purpose of getting rid of him, he 
thought of the following plan. He had a lion 
at his residence in Bonn, which was brought 
to Cologne. Two chaplains were to invite the 
burgomaster, to arrange a reconciliation. 

The burgomaster was indeed surprised at the 
invitation of the two chaplains, but confiding in 
his good cause and the strenght of his arm he 
rejected the warnings of his friends and accepted 
the invitation. After dinner they showed him 
the curiosities of the palace. A door opened 
and when he had entered, it was shut imme- 
diately behind him with a scornful laughter. 

G-ryn, who recognized with indignation and 
horror the perfidious snare, which had been laid 
for him, was still more surprised, when he 
perceived a lion, which in all his majesty and 
ferocity regarded him with sparkling eyes and 



— 310 — 



roared with hunger, lashing his tail from side 
to side. 

Scarcely had the burgomaster time, to draw 
his sword, roll his left hand in his cloak, when 
the furious beast rushed at him. He had the 
presence of mind to thrust his left hand in the 
animal's jaws and with his right to run his sword 
in the lion's flank. This heroic deed was per- 
formed in a few minutes and the vanquisher of 
the lion sank instantly on his knees, thanking 
God in a fervent prayer for having rescued him 
from so great a danger. 

He waited a long time to see, what would 
happen. The clashing of arms mingled with the 
furious tolling of the alarm-bell soon made him 
aware of a new disaster of the town and a 
little after his friends, accompanied by the two 
trempling chaplains entered the room, where the 
valiant burgomaster stood by the side of the 
dead beast. 

A cry of revenge was heard throughout the 
town, when the shameful treason was known. 
The two chaplains were hanged and the burgo- 
master carried triumphantly to his house, where 
his wounds were healed. The citizens sent their 
complaints to the emperor. The archbishop 
accused the two chaplains and approved of the 
hanging of the two criminals. 



- 311 — 



To gain the favour of the common people 
and render them jealous of the nobility succeeded 
better. A civil war broke out, in which the 
party of the archbishop under the command of 
Weissen, count of Limburg and the kindred of 
Engelbert vras defeated. 

The „Overstolzen% the party of the nobles, 
got a glorious victory, turned the strangers out 
of the town and persuaded the citizens to join 
again to their party. 

For the purpose of increasing their power, 
they made a defensive alliance with the counts 
of Geldern, Julich, Berg and Katzenellenbogen, 
who where also appointed arbiters between the 
town and the archbishop. 

Engelbert, whose fury increased after each 
defeat, attacked the count and their towns, 
especially Julich. 

Xow the confederate towns joined their forces 
and attacked the prelate's army in the plains of 
Zulpich and Lechnich, where the archbishop, 
commanding his troops personally, was not only 
vanquished, but taken prisoner. The count of 
Julich carried his prisoner triumphantly to Co- 
logne and then imprisoned him in the fortress 
of Xiedeck on the Euhr ; where he was obliged 
for his humiliation and the pleasure of the people 
to show himself publicly for some hours in a 
cage of iron. 



— 312 — 



Later, by the intercession of the generous 
Albertus magnus, who was first teacher at Co- 
logne, then bishop of Eegensburg, the count 
granted him his liberty, but through grief and 
shame he died a short time after his release. 




The white horses. 



I the time of the great pestilence, which 
raged through Germany in the year 
| 1440, the beloved wife of Sir Aducht 
J fell victim to the plague and was 
buried by her husband who deeply lamented her 
loss. The sextons, who had remarked with con- 
vetousness the rich ornaments, with which the 
old husband had adorned the corpse of his beloved, 
opened the tomb in the night and broke the 
coffin. 

The deceased rose with a sigh, while the 
sextons deadly pale with terror fled. Recovering 
by degrees and recognizing, where she was, she 
cried for help, but nobody could hear her; she 
then stepped out of the coffin and tottered shi- 
vering towards her house. 

It was late at night, when she arrived at 
her home on the „New market. tt She knocked 
repeatedly, till at last the husband opened the 
window and asked, what the matter was. 

„It is your wife Eichmodis, whom you belie- 




— 314 - 



Ted dead. Oh, descend quickly, dear husband, 
for I am exhausted by cold and terror/ 

„ You are a rascal, to put such a joke upon 
an afflicted widower. 

„No, no, I am really your wife, I still live." 

„That is as impossible, as my horses can 
come up-stairs," 

At this moment he heard the trampling of 
his two horses on the staircase und when he 
looked down, he perceived the two horses stand- 
ing at a window and looking down from it into 
the street. 

In great haste, but not without some fear, 
he descended, opened the door and received his 
weak and shivering wife in his arms. 

Both lived many years in perfect harmony. 
And in remembrance of this event, Sir Aducht 
ordered two horse's heads to be made and fastened 
on the front of the window, where they were to 
be seen for a long time afterwards. 



Index. 



Page 

Strasburg ... 1 

Sen wan au 13 

Staufenberg 18 

The „Klmgelkapelle a 31 

The mermaid 35 

Yburg 39 

Windeck 41 

Triefels . . .. 48 

Heidelberg 64 

Auerbach 71 

Frankfort o/M 75 

The colony of the Jews 80 

The daughter of the castellain of Worms .... 85 

Worms 88 

Oppenheim 91 

The maiden's leap 97 

The vintagers daughter . 105 

Mayence 106 

Arnold of Walpode 110 

The heads of stone 121 

Ingelheim 143 

Eginhard and Emma 153 

Adolphseck: 159 

Eppenstein 164 

Falkenstein 167 

The Mouse-tower 174 



— 316 



Page 

Eudesheim . . . 180 

Ehrenfels 184 

Rheinstein 187 

St. Clemens church 198 

Falkenburg 197 

Heimburg 211 

Lorch , ."• 218 

Pfalzgrafenstein . . 220 

Gutenfels ... 224 

Schonberg 281 

Lurley 288 

Loreiay 288 

St, Goar . 242 

Rheinfels' the Cat and Mouse ......... 245 

The brothers 248 

Boppard 258 

Lalmeck 257 

Stolzenfels 261 

Eammerstein * 272 

Rolandseck and Nonnenwerth 277 

Frederick and Gela . . . 282 

Drachenfels 285 

Stromberg 288 

Treuenfels 291 

Alten-Ahr 296 

Cologne 800 

The lion-slayer 807 

The white horses . 818 



